Sitting still for any extended period of time is very difficult for me. Sitting still, not working out, and not working for a week is daunting and depressing, to say the least. Yesterday afternoon I was given my “no-work permitted” instructions from my primary physician, and it took me all day to let the terrible news settle in. Assigned physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic therapy and massage therapy, I know this still will be a busy week, but the idea of not getting to do what I love — be at the gym — was devastating.
After a nice cup of coffee, some fresh air, and some reflection, an epiphany struck. God is giving me the gift of “France” in America for a week. The French notoriously work less than any country in the world, spend more time shopping than any other country, and take a mandated five-weeks of vacation per year. My experience in France involved hours upon hours of doing nothing and just savoring life, and so, such is what I will do this week.
I’m calling it my French Holiday. While Ladysmith, Virginia cannot rival Paris’ sophistication or culture, it can do so in my mind. I will embrace this week of nothingness. I will watch as many French and chick flick films as my heart desires. I will drink mounds of coffee and sip it from petite tasses to add some culture to my grind. I will catch up with lost friends, and I will sit outside on my rocking chairs with a book. Most importantly, I will embrace change. Change is terrifying, and this change of pace is unnatural to me, but change is good. We all need change, we just rarely get forced to embrace it. Embrace something you know you need to change this week and join me on my “holiday.”