Balancing Work and Home: Making Every Moment Count
Stepping outdoors, the heat hit my face, and I sucked in air greedily. One of my favorite scents is the fragrance of hot wet soil and asphalt steaming in the sun after a rain. Sand ripples, eroded by flash rain, strata-ed the edges of the road, and a red fire hydrant gleamed newly-polished from the storm.
I inhaled deeply as I walked, my work bag swinging on one shoulder. For a moment, I rustled in my bag for the phone, then stopped. Resisting the impulse to call or text, I instead stretched my shoulders, dropping and squaring them into a yoga pose, and breathed in deeply.
“Be here, Jen. Pause, breathe in. See God’s beauty…”
I found my walk changing, and my focus following. Smiling, I debriefed from the day, grinning vaguely at passing cars and unseen neighbors, reviewing the week’s duties. Water droplets glimmered deep within silvery spruce branches. A new song tickled the edges of my brain and I sang quietly under my breath. “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other, and for everyone else…”
Sloshing through a muddy stretch, I wiped it off, grabbed my mail, and stepped inside, eager to see my family and kiss them.Thankful for my family, thankful for my job.
Hi, friend. I love hearing from you. What has your day been like? How do you transition from an outside job to home? (Those in email can click here to comment.)
Linking with Emily at Imperfect Prose.
Photo credits: #1: “Nighttime in the Rain” by Debbie Lewis; #2: Street image courtesy of HinFrance ; #3: “Broad Street Rain” by Rick Reinert.
Hi Jennifer…coming for the first time from imperfect prose…and I must say your prose was just lovely. I could smell the asphalt, feel the stretch…thanks.
I transition with a little phone chat with my mom or sister, sometimes with a song…or a few phrases of Magnificat and the counting of gifts.
I could feel that steam rising…what a lovely prayer. I don't work outside so I transition for those coming in the door after their work days.
Hi Jennifer,
what a lovely way to debrief…prayer in song 🙂
Love the art, and your lovely thoughts in this, Jennifer… So true about slowing down in the moment… I agree with your prayer. 🙂
Too often my work comes home with me… I need to debrief as well… Thanks for the reminder. Being there isn't always being there…
Dear Jennifer
This is the right attitude, dear friend! Seeing all the droplets of rain shining like diamonds on the leaves! I am grateful for His spiritual rain that also refreshes our hearts.
Blessings XX
Mia
I don't have to transition, but see how my husband needs to when he comes home. I imagine it does take a minute to turn off work mode and switch into family mode.
I also wanted to let you know that your comment on my blog for the Imagination Station books was chosen. I couldn't find an email to email you for your info to send you the books. But mine is asimersky[at]gmail.com, if you email your info I will get those books to you! Thanks for commenting, hope you enjoy them!
My favorite smell is fresh mowed grass…which is happening right outside my window now. I'll have to step out to get my mail and take a whiff. =) Love the pictures!
Taking time to be in the moment is so important. We need to think to do it more often, don't we? Love the photos you chose for this post, Jennifer.
oh Jennifer I think this is one of my favorites of yours! I love the attention to detail, and the profound simplicity. Well done! e.
Summer,
Thank you. 🙂 Nice to meet you. Please forgive my delay in getting back to you. Unwinding with phone conversations with your mom or sister, or counting gifts, or classical musical sound lovely. Ahhh.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Dea,
Nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by. Transitioning for other peoples' arrivals is a great idea!
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Dolly,
So fun. Putting verses to song helps me remember them.
Smiling at seeing your name here,
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Pam,
Isn't that art fun? They caught my attention too, when I saw them. Thanks for stopping by. Sorry for my delay.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Thanks, Floyd.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Mia,
Yes! Thanks for stopping by. Sorry for my delay in responding.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Alecia,
I'm glad we've connected by email since this. What fun. Thanks!
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Hmmm, fresh cut grass scents, MillsGrandparents! I agree.
Sorry for my dreadful delay in replying to you.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Thanks, Cheryl. Sorry for this delay.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Thank you, Emily. You encourage me.
Thinking of you as you grieve and mourn your baby,
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com