“What Do You Do To Relax?”

One of the questions I often get is in regards to what I do to relax.  First of all let me say up front that I am NOT very good at relaxing…but here are a few things that I am trying to spend more time doing.

#1 - Playing Playstation

Many pastors I know play golf, which is good I guess.  (Golf is NOT a sport!  Now…if they made golf a contact sport where the golfer has five seconds to hit the ball or he could be tackled–THAT would be a sport!)

SO…instead of playing golf I play playstation.  Currently I have a PSII and am still playing NCAA 06.  (Yes I am Clemson, YES I won the national championship!)  BUT for pastors appreciation month the church purchased me a PSIII…and I can’t WAIT to try it out!

Oh yeah…I am all about the sports games–and that is about it.  I am not really into the action/adventure stuff.  BUT–seriously–when I play PS it allows my mind to totally disconnect from the day I had until that point, whether good or bad.

#2 - Reading John Grisham Novels
I do love to read; however, one of the most relaxing things I have ever done is began reading John Grisham’s stuff.  I read my fair share of religious works and business books…and that helps me in my quest to be a better teacher and leader–BUT–there are times when my brain just needs to chill and relax…thus being the JG books.

NOW–saying all of that I believe I have only read two (maybe three)–”The Last Juror,” and “The Firm.”  (I have seen “Time To Kill” on television…so I won’t be reading that one.)  I know he has written TONS more and I can’t wait to tear into them…which leads to my third thing…

#3 - Take Time Away To The Beach Or Mountains

I LOVE getting away to the mountains.  For some reason I always seem to really connect with God there, seriously, I feel incredibly close to Him when just going for a walk in the woods with no smart phone or iPod…just me and Him alone–DANG–that makes me want to go right now.

I also love the ocean.  For some reason I love hearing the waves crash into the shore–it seriously gives me a sense of peace.  One of the most worshipful experiences I have ever had was at the beach…I watched the sunrise and it literally took my breath away–WOW.

I know God is incredible–but when I get away to these two places I am reminded of it.  (AND this is also where I read the Grisham books!)

#4 - Playing With Charisse

I can have an awful, horrible, no good, very bad day–pull up in my driveway, get out of the car, go into my house, kiss Lucretia and then sit down on the couch with Charisse–and usually within two minutes I have completely disconnected from the stress and anxiety that I could have swore came in the door with me.

My family is absolutely priceless to me and I love them with all that I’ve got!  And my little girl can give me a smile and it just does something to me.  Some people say kids add stress…and I know that there will be the day that she will cause some discomfort in my life; however, at this point she is SUCH a delight to be around!

#5 - Date Night With ‘Cretia

People told me that once Charisse arrived that date night would have to go on the shelf for a year or so–they were WRONG–it did go on the shelf, but only for about six weeks…and then we MADE date night happen because we both agree that if we don’t master our schedule then our schedule will master us.

I love date night…it is literally a time to just chill and connect with my wife–to hear about her day AND for us to just focus on each other.  AND–my wife is HOT…that is a SWEET BONUS!  :-)

There–those are a few of the things I do…any other recommendations?

PLEASE do not say fishing, it is useless–I do not RELAX when I fish…and I tick the other fishermen off because I usually begin throwing rocks in the water, which really makes them angry for some reason.

ALSO, do NOT recommend for me to hunt.  I do not understand for the life of me why someone will get out of a cozy warm bed VERY early in the morning to go and climb a stupid tree in the freezing cold weather JUST to fall asleep there!!!

AND do not tell me to sky dive–I am MISTER accident and I know that would not turn out good for me.  “But Perry, you are strapped to someone on your first jump.”  Yeah, great–all that means for me is that I would have someone to die with!!!  :-)