I'm not sure when it happened, but suddenly (it seems), our family schedule is incredibly busy.

Between after-school game attendance, mid-week church activities, homework responsibilities, doctor appointments, late meetings at work, chores around the house, meal preparations and clean up, it seems to never end.

And I'm not even home all day with a four-year-old like my wife Rae is.  I'm actually surprised when I show up in the evening and she's still there.  I just know I'm going to come home one day and find a note:

Hi Sweetie. Went crazy.  Have a nice life. Love, Rae
(PS: the dishes in the dishwasher are still dirty)

It's incredibly difficult to ensure that all of the loose ends are caught each day.  Sign the planner for school.   Have you brushed your teeth?  No DS until your chores are done.  Where's my brush?  No, you may not watch a movie; it's five minutes before bedtime.  Why was your practice let out late again?  Sorry, honey, another late meeting tonight.  I'm serious about the DS; put it away until chores are done.  How many people are coming over tonight?  Is it really that late already?  The toilet's running again.  Why is it 100 degrees in your bedroom; did you leave your heater on again?  But the bottle said "shake well before using"; I didn't know the lid wasn't on.  Chew your food with your mouth closed. Okay, the DS is mine for one week; I don't care that you didn't save your game.  (This shtick could have gone on much longer, but I think you get the idea). 

And that's without making stuff up.

A calm spot graciously appeared recently.  I came home from a late meeting, the kids were off to bed.  Rae had some hot water on the stove for my tea, and we got to spend about one hour together, just talking.  To each other.  No kids, no homework, no fire alarms.  Blessed calmness.

I guess the calmness only appears as calm as it does because of all the hustle and bustle the rest of the time, but it sure feels great when it occurs.  The trick is to take advantage of the time without throwing something else in there to fill the "down time". 

Take the down time, fellow adventurers; take it, feel it, relish it, absorb its recharging capabilities; stay connected with the important things and people in your life to ensure they stay important.  And you will have the renewed energy to meet the adventurebolts of...tomorrow.