If you have always enjoyed a regular Monday through Friday life with a normal weekend of Saturday and Sunday, count your blessings! In addition, if you've never worked a regular night shift, you're doubly blessed!
I'm still in the "honeymoon" stage of my retirement last June from 20 years of nursing. I know I'm doing way too much, things that I've never been able to do before. I know that I go way too many places that I never was able to go before. Last year, I was away from home for 8 weeks, this year it will be 12 weeks if I don't add any other trips! Thank God for Sunday, especially Sundays at home!
Nursing was a very good career, especially considering I didn't start nursing school till much later than usual. But nearly every nurse has to work some weekends. We were told in nursing school, "You WILL start out on night shift," and they were right. But as a 'older' woman, I needed a job that needed me, one that had flexible shift hours and schedules. Honestly, nursing pays much better than most other salaried jobs a woman can find, but, nurses pay the price: I sincerely feel that every nurse does double the work that one hard-working human could be expected to accomplish! The 'higher-ups' are always adding more tasks and NEVER taking anything away. Nurses 'nurse' the computer more than 50% of their time, with all the documentation requirements, but would rather spend most of their time nursing their patients.
Starting out as a nurse, I worked every other weekend for 13 years. The last 7 years, I took the "Weekend Position" because it eliminated mandatory on-call hours. Before I was a nurse, from 1981 to 1994, I was a church organist. Hence, I worked every weekend those years also. Now I totally relish Sundays with no work, no rush, and no sore fatigue.
During my last day at work at the hospital, I felt God was telling me, "Yes, you are definitely right to quit now." I had a new emergency before the previous one was completed and ran all day while pushing heavy machines on the long trip to the emergency room. The patients were sicker than ever. I gladly pass on to another hearty soul the thrill (?) of watching the heart monitor while praying, "God, don't let this patient die now!"
What are the wonderful luxuries I enjoy on Sundays? I am able to fully celebrate the Lord's Day by church attendance with family. We usually go out to lunch somewhere but sometimes have supper at home. This is my treasure, my highlight of the week! I love the noisy, packed church, the rousing singing, the preacher's sermons, seeing friends, and meeting new folks. I'm always amazed that no matter how many times I hear a particular Bible passage, there is always something new, something I never picked up on before.
Saved for Sunday are small luxuries such as drinking expensive coffee I usually wouldn't; today I had Gevalia Cappuchino. And I try to remember to put out the expensive, good-smelling liquid soap from Bath & Body Works; today it was Vanilla. I love to read and propped up my feet for most of the afternoon, read, fell asleep, and read some more - pure luxury!
Meanwhile, I feel my resting body getting stronger and my mind clearing for the tasks of this coming week. I can plan and prioritize. Pulling weeds in the yard will definitely be Priority One, before they overtake the house! It's also time to get some tomato plants and flowers and put them out. And on and on. . .
When my children were growing up, we always had a special Sunday dinner with a tablecloth and cloth napkins. Do you do anything special on Sundays?
Lord, our Wise Lord, you rested on Sunday and gave us a fine example. Help us enjoy Your Day, each and every week, and make it special!
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