Part of starting over is establishing or, in the case of a return, reestablishing your relationships.  It is important to unpack in a timely manner for your own sake and your family.  Order is good.  It dispels that disorientation so pervasive during a major life change. However, relationship is crucial and we can bless and be blessed even during the most chaotic times.  In fact, very often the best remedy for our own stress is stepping outside of it for a short time and tending to someone else.

Yesterday was the traditional feast of the Visitation. One of the very first stories we have of Our Lady describes her doing just that. She had been given news of a larger-than-life vocation which was to shape not only the rest of her days, but all the world.  True to form, she picked up on the part of that announcement that hinted at an opportunity to meet a need.  Her cousin had conceived in her old age. There was a baby coming. She set aside the stress of her own life and went where she could help.

Later, I reread a passage by Emilie Barnes, always encouraging:

"The world waits until someone gives before giving back; however, Scripture tells us to give first, then it will be added unto us. We can do this with our love, affection, material things; with our friendship, help, and attention. You might have grown up with a limited, conditional kind of giving. If so, it is time for healing. We are so fortunate to have the ultimate example of "giving first" in our Lord. He gave unconditional love, He gave His life, He gives His mercy and grace."

We don't wait for times to be quieter or stress to pass.  There is no guarantee when that may be. Today is a good day to meet a friend or put on a kettle.  That's what I keep doing between unpacking boxes: slipping out for tea and shopping with an out of town friend or pulling together a cold lunch with the dishes we left out for easy access on this end of the move so the children could play with friends for a few hours.  After these brief encounters we are refreshed and can return to our own challenges fueled up. 

The world waits, we should not.