In Praise of Vacation

In praise of vacation.

I left this place with my nose barely sticking out of the water -
I was drowning in words, too many to-dos.
I boarded that plane with a knot in my stomach -
with a monkey on my back - maybe several monkeys.
But as I went airborne, the monkeys became sleepy and the knot unraveled.
Bit by bit.
I listened to music of my own choosing.
I cried over the movie, the one I had really wanted to see.
I read the book my friend invited me to read.
I flew smack across the country and joined myself along the way.
I slowly forgot about all that wanted to grapple for my attention.
As they tried to sneak in, I said, "I'll deal with you tomorrow."
I rode cable cars and ate Chinese food.
I explored and wandered.
I walked across the Golden Gate with the love of my life.
I looked back on all that stood on the shore and I knew -
it will be there when I return.
It will all still be there.
But for now, I can view it with this perspective
and I can see it for what it really is.
In the big spectrum, it is all just small.
On we went, driving to speedways, wineries, and down the coast.
Mountains on one side - rock slide warnings.
On the other side, a guardrail of no consequence and a steep awful incline to the sea.
We managed to stay between the lines.
The rocks didn't flatten us and we didn't sail over to drown.
We stayed solid and steady and easily found our way.
On we went - doing business, visiting with friends, new experiences.
We heard inspiring speakers, saw uncounted dolphins, tasted good food.
I felt like a grown up again.
I took in a deep breath.
So, when I boarded the next plane, I was ready to come home.
Home again, to two little children who giggled and screamed and threw their arms around me and kissed me and hugged me and welcomed me home.
The water that had flooded me just nine days ago
now lapped at my toes like a warm reminder.
All is well, all can be made right, work will get accomplished.
If only we take Sabbath, in whatever way that comes.
If only we recognize it when it calls us.
It doesn't take a plane ride across the country and a chunk of the calendar to have Sabbath.
It just takes paying attention to our souls
crying out to live a little, to sleep a little, to heal a little.
And suddenly, we find ourselves.
Again.
Amen.

In Wisdom,
Brandi Calhoun Diamond