Today’s 70˚ weather summoned me outdoors to do my paperwork. It certainly would have been more efficient to sit at a table, but I just could not resist the sun-filled sky. Sitting on our deck, I rolled up my pants, pushed up my sleeves, and lifted my head to gaze at the sun and soak in its warmth. Within minutes, I could feel the tension begin to fade away. With Diet Coke in hand, I sat and did nothing. The paperwork remained untouched. For an unknown amount of time, I relished the quiet moments of reflection.
What did I do? I thought about my daughter who was supposed to be napping. I thought about the sermon I heard a few hours earlier. I thought about the upcoming week. And I just sat. I didn’t solve any large problems. I didn’t write a poem or create anything. For someone who usually marks her days by levels of productivity, this afternoon was somewhat of an anomaly. It could, I suppose, be seen as a great waste of time.
Reflection. Quiet. Time away from a “to do” list. I wonder what my day or a student’s day would be like if we had time – with or without sun – to sit and reflect. Renewal. Peace. Maybe only a little more joy.
If today’s time in the sun is any measure of its value, then I say bring it on!