Today was one of those days where the hits just kept on coming. And in hindsight, I probably brought it on myself...I always get grouchy when I don't get enough sleep. At least that's what my family tells me.
Not only was I really tired, I forgot one of the first rules of how to be an angel...be patient with others who don't fly as fast as you. In ignoring this bit of wisdom, I clipped my own wings and wound up spiraling into frustration. I always find when I lose my sense of grace my world becomes a place where everything ...EVERYTHING...gets...on...my...last...nerve.
So when I returned home this evening, I decided to shower this awful-I-am-fed-up-with-everyone-and-everything day away. I closed the door, turned on the water, removed all apparel, my necklace, and earrings, and just stood listening to the water spray in the shower. Then I climbed in.
I don't know about you, but I love my shower to be scalding really hot. As I backed into cascading heat, tiny pulses massaged my head and temples. My fingers working lather through my hair, I recalled the mind-numbing non-productive discussions of the day and gave myself permission to rinse them away. Searing needles of heat released tension from my back and shoulders as I replayed the e-mails and frustrations from the past ten hours, slowly allowing the day to trickle down the drain.
As I inhaled the soapy fragrance, I thought about how great it is to feel so clean and refreshed. I have heard how some folks throw their cares in the trash; others write them on a piece of paper and set it ablaze. But for me, a hot shower settles my mind, my body, and my soul. Truly, I do my best thinking in the shower and give thanks for the calm it awards me, restoring my sense of self.
As I dried the beads of water and soothed my skin with lotion, I realized another great thing about my shower. As anyone who has ever mistakenly washed a sweater in hot water can attest, this is a surefire way to cause shrinking. Luckily, egos can shrink just as easily as they can grow; my hot shower shrunk mine back down to size. Now I am ready to climb into bed for a much needed rest so tomorrow I can fly at whatever speed necessary to share God's grace.
Tomorrow is going to be an amazing day.
A hot shower or bath always makes me feel better. And I am like you...the hotter the better!
ReplyDeleteDid you read this recent article about how women are crankier than men when they don't get enough sleep?
Here is a link so you can check it out (It's more about husband's and wives):
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43357508
Nighty night! xo, A
Oh, I do understand--the crankiness resulting from lack of sleep and the refreshing therapy of a shower. I think I prefer showers over baths (baths are nice for the first 5 minutes then I start thinking about all the dirt, oil, body dander I am soaking in--uck). xxBliss
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