Grief

Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Bathtub Party Day

Yes, there really is such and thing, and today's the day for it (not to be confused with International Bath Day on June 14).

Let me put your mind at ease, as someone may be wondering I could support a thing such as a Bathtub Party. Depends what you're thinking, I guess.

I'm confident the day does not advocate a gathering of friends in tub, though without doubt few revelers may try. If this were a political party (in this day and age, you just never know) I might consider joining but I'm sure a Bathtub Party is not political. 

If we were in England, we would call this "Bathtub Day" (no party). Legend has it that the bathtub was introduced to England on this day in 1828--or was it December 7? Of course one finds this difficult to believe considering the existence of Greek and Roman tubs and the fact that Romans did make their way across England in the early Hundreds A.D. . . .
Greek bath in Nestor's Palace
Regardless, based on what I've read "out there" (including the definitive "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader"), I get the idea that the purpose of Bathtub Party Day is to slow down, relax. This is a showering age--get in, get out, get dry and get on to the next thing. But not today. This is a no-hurry-treat-yourself-to-something-nice day.

Today, take some time for yourself. Immerse yourself neck deep in some hot water, maybe toss in some Epsom salts, fragrances (if you like that kind of thing) and just float a while. I mean, hey, the pools' closed this time of year. So why not just have a Bathtub Party? And if it's appropriate--invite a friend!


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