In my family’s line of work, regular days off are non-existent and having a Saturday off is extremely rare. Over the years this is something I have had to learn to become content with (and a lesson I am still learning!) but when I am presented with a Saturday where I do not have to work and the sun is not only shining, but providing warmth and a glimpse into Summer* I am going to make the most of it.

I am not one to share ‘highlight reels’ of my life and am pretty open about the struggles that I face but yesterday was just one of those days where everything was just lovely; a day full of doing the things I enjoy and how I think a day off should be spent so here’s a glimpse into what the day entailed.

The day started at 6am with my alarm telling it was time to get out of bed so I could spend some time with Jesus before the kids woke up – I’ve been missing doing this lately so it was good to start the day this way.
Once the boys were up and dressed I dropped them round to a friend’s house. When I arranged with my friend for her to watch the boys for me earlier in the week, I had originally intended to do some house jobs that were making me feel slightly stressed but, when she offered to have them during parkrun, I decided to do this instead. I have been going to and enjoying running at parkrun since January and am disappointed when I have to miss it so I chose running over house jobs. I then enjoyed a leisurely coffee and breakfast afterwards before going to pick up the boys.
As a family we then went to find some bluebells in some woodland. I took my camera and took some photos of the bluebells and the boys. I am quickly realising that photographing the boys in the way I used to is becoming more and more difficult as they just move too quickly and don’t love it when I try to persuade them to stand a certain way or look in a particular direction! Nevertheless, I still got some photos I like.
Later in the afternoon, we headed to the beach with paddleboards and went out on the water for the first time this year before more friends joined us for fish and chips. I got the boys home to bed and hung out with my husband before falling asleep on the sofa after a busy fun-filled day. It was glorious.

Here are some photos from the woods 🙂

Too often, tiredness, house jobs and work take over and I don’t find/make the time regularly to do the things that uplift me. Weeks pass and I find myself feeling more and more irritable and tired, asking myself ‘why do I feel this way?’. Then I remember I haven’t spent quality time with Jesus, spent time creating or having fun. So this is your reminder, to go do something fun, do what uplifts you and fills you up.

*The way seasons have ‘worked’ this year, I’m not holding out hope the Summer is here to stay!