There Was Evening.
Some months ago I encountered this wise advice from a homemaker: Each evening do some task, however small, for tomorrow. For myself, this often means setting my breakfast porridge to soak. However far behind I have fallen in my own expectations for the day, I have the reassurance that at least thus far I have provided for the morrow. There is serenity in knowing that though tomorrow has yet to see the dawn, I have already invested myself in its work—and therefore also its rest.
In contemplating this, I remember that it is the same wisdom found in the Biblical concept of a day. (The Scripture that comes immediately to mind is Genesis 1: “And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.”) Even today, for Jews, the day is measured from evening to evening. Incidentally, this was not a mathematical concept (7:00 PM) but a natural one (the setting of the sun).
The mentality that the day is done, rather than the anxious thought that “I can squeeze in a few things before bedtime” is surprisingly releasing. Rather than marring the sleeping hours by an evening rush to finish the day’s work, one puts aside the day’s work at the sun’s setting. Now it is time to start fresh, to mentally tally up the day’s achievements, and decide what unfinished work is worth carrying over to a new list. I make tentative (if the Lord wills and Mama’s schedule is not different ;) plans for the morning, set my oatmeal to soak (unless, tragically, I forget and then have to forage next morning instead), and take time to relax, appreciating what has been done and reviving for the next start. Because one has spent the evening in preparation and self-restoration, the next morning is more peaceful and ordered, which lends a cheery tenor to the entire day.
Of course, this is not always possible. I sometimes find it intolerable to leave a particular task unfinished, and I will burn midnight oil to get it done. (I will be tonight, because I have catching up to do with my studies!) I have found by experience, though, that a general application of this concept helps minimize stress, ensure restful sleep, and make for smoother days.
What are some things you can do for tomorrow?
✦Set your breakfast porridge to soak.
✦Set up schoolwork/ other work for tomorrow.
✦Neatly rewrite your updated to-do list.
✦Prepare a simple plan for tomorrow. What is most important for you to accomplish?
✦Have a menu plan for tomorrow. Double check ingredients. Put frozen meat in the refrigerator to thaw.
✦Invest in the peace and loveliness of tomorrow by adding a simple touch of beauty to your home. Some hectic days, this may just mean buffing the kitchen faucet.
✦Enjoy an early dinner.
✦Turn off the television, the computer, the radio.
✦Play soothing music. Bedtime Beats is a collection of classical music with as many beats per minute as an adult’s resting heart rate. I have personally found it very effective.
✦Converse pleasantly with your family.
✦Read a good book. What better way to close the day than with prayerful consideration of God’s Word?
✦Take a warm bath with lavender oils.
✦Have a quieting cup of chamomile tea with a touch of honey.
✦Go to bed before ten o’clock. It is said that every hour of sleep taken before midnight is equal to two hours of post-midnight sleep. Go to bed earlier rather than ‘catching up’ by sleeping in late. This does wonders for your morning energy!
What ways can you adopt an ‘evening to evening’ mentality?
I found this post so very interesting!! It is SO true that preparing something small for the morrow is the perfect way to end the day. I’ve been making sourdough for a weeks, and I have to set the dough to rise overnight, and it usually happens that I’m preparing the dough right before I go to my room for the night to read and sleep. I also love making a list for the next day, and thinking out a mental menu for the next day. (I should start writing them down!) I’ve also been having trouble relaxing at night, so I’m going to try sitting in a hot bath for awhile with some lavender, and perhaps peppermint essential oils!
Thanks for this post! I’m sorry I have not been commenting; my life has been very full, and I haven’t been able to make time for commenting on my dear friends’ blogs. I’m hoping to reply to your lovely letter within the next few days!!
Hello, Elissa. It’s good to “see” you again! ;-)
It sounds like you had a wonderful evening routine! Sourdough bread sounds delightful.
Since peppermint is a nervine stimulant, I’m not sure it would help you relax. Lavender is definitely good, though, as is chamomile. Look in the blog archive for a soothing herbal bath bland.