The Weekly Clothesline: Take a “mental health” day

By Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson

Posted 10/4/21

How can I make the world a better place after I put my feet on the floor in the morning?

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The Weekly Clothesline: Take a “mental health” day

Posted Monday, October 4, 2021 8:09 pm

By Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson

Do you ever take a mental health day? Such days help you think about the three most important days in your life: Yesterday… How did it go? Today…What’s my plan with the day God has given me? and, Tomorrow… How can I make the world a better place after I put my feet on the floor in the morning?

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he tells us that we know what’s right but sometimes our sinful desires lead us in the opposite direction. I think that’s why mental health days are good for all of us. What a novel idea it is to sit back—no expectations to accomplish something—and just BE.

I found this prayer some time ago, and it speaks to the very heart of just “being:”

Speak, Lord, in the stillness, while I wait on Thee.
Hushed my heart to listen in expectancy.
Speak, O blessed Master, in this quiet hour,

Let me see Thy face, Lord, feel Thy touch of power.
For the words Thou speakest, “They are life” indeed;
Living Bread from heaven, now my spirit feed!
All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender, I am Thine alone.
Fill me with the knowledge of Thy glorious will;

All thine own good pleasure in my life fulfill.

Sounds like the child Samuel in the Bible… Speak Lord, I’m listening… Our God just wants to spend time with you. After all, he loves you. Try it. You might be surprised.

About the author:
Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.