Rest is Medicinal

Next July will mark our 30th wedding anniversary, and we have big plans that include international travel and two full weeks of exploration! However, this summer, we are staying close to home and embracing smaller, more frugal adventures. 

Our first excursion was a two-hour drive to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to visit my youngest son, Ben. Ben's days off are Sunday and Monday, so Troy and I had Friday and Saturday to ourselves. I was really looking forward to seeing Ben, of course, but I didn't have overly high expectations for our little in-state "vacation." I had been to Fort Wayne many times before, and we figured we would just hang out and bide our time until our son was free.

Typically, I would be in a tizzy for days trying to pack for a trip, but this time I simply threw a few things into a suitcase without overthinking it. I was pleasantly surprised by the flutter of excitement I felt as we merged onto the expressway. I had forgotten how incredible it feels to drive away from my everyday responsibilities. The unwinding began immediately as Troy and I both slipped into relaxation mode.

On Friday, our main priority was finding a venue that would show the World Cup game between the US and Australia. Again, our expectations were low, so we were thrilled to discover an Irish pub with a fantastic outdoor setup. It featured comfortable couches, a huge screen, snacks and beer, and plenty of enthusiastic soccer fans. Families and friends came out in droves to cheer on the US team and were just so happy to all be there and together. We were present and connected. Unadulterated joy warmed every part of me, and I opened myself up to it fully. 

Joy continued to weave its way through the rest of our trip, as we meandered through farmers’ markets, spent a long, leisurely dinner talking through all of the ways we’ve evolved as parents, as a couple, and individually; the kind of conversation you need plenty of time and space for.  We attended Divine Liturgy at a parish we’d never visited before and ran into an old, dear friend! The encouraging homily on trusting God was incredibly timely and appreciated. The highlight, however, was quality time with my son, hearing his hopes, convictions, unique perspectives, and all about what is lighting him up these days. 

We did nothing fancy or extravagant. Our Airbnb was pretty dingy and uncomfortable. We were gone less than a week, and yet I came home remarkably nourished and restored. I really, really needed that downtime to reset, reconnect with my husband, quiet my thoughts, listen attentively to my son, slow down, and feast on what is beautiful right in front of me and in the people all around me. I guess all that to say that rest is medicinal and transcendent joy is more accessible than we often realize.