WHIRLWIND YEAR
What can I say about 2023 so far, it has been hectic to say the least. The year started off with work issues; not enough people to fill the needed positions causing those of us who only work part time to step up into fulltime, having to rearrange schedules to accommodate the added hours, trying to juggle work with classes, dealing with a compromised immune system, bronchitis, double pneumonia, still grieving over the loss of my daughter from a supposedly simple medical procedure. By the end of the school year I was on my last leg, as the saying goes, could bearly breath, couldn’t sleep laying down, had to set in a recliner and only able to sleep when I would finnaly clasp. When my allotted part time hours were used up I quite work, the class I was taking was over for the summer; which gave me time to concentrate on my health. When you are not in good health it affects every area of your life.
A friend recommended a getaway. To accompany her and another friend on a job; cooking for a week long class at a retreat center. We would be provided a place to stay and a wage for the week. Our accommodations would be a beautiful rustic log cabin in the woods, the perfect place to recuperate. The three of us have been friends for over 20 years and work well together. It was hard work cooking and serving over 100 people, but at the end of the day we had the beautiful Ozark Mountains to relax in. our cabin was far enough in the woods we couldn’t hear any road traffic and setting on the porch watching the birds and squirrels was just what was needed to get my body and mind back in order. By the end of the week I was off all medication and able to sleep.
Then summer started, 2 weddings, an internment service for my daughters ashes in the family cemetery, a trip to another state of one of the weddings, then 2 eye surgeries, and a summer job working at the retreat center 2 days a week. What was I thinking? I have never been this busy in years during the summer. But as, mom always said don’t look at all there is to do just take it one day at a time. August is almost over, I am at the bottom of the list and all came out well.
The only glitch was a fall that caused a bone bruise and blood clot on the right side of my face. It is getting better and was a lesson in overcoming vanity and the use of heavy makeup. People are genuinely concerned but it does get old explaining what happened. A fall can happen to anyone no matter your age, it is best to take it in stride and deal with the comments. The class I am taking starts in a couple of weeks, which means that I will have to get back into study mode. It also means fall is just around the corner. The heat has been extreme this year and the storms huge. We need the rain but when it comes down hard and fast it doesn’t have a chance to soak in the ground, it just runs off into the ditches. It helps the streams, lakes, and rivers but not much good for yards and fields.
I have decided to quit working at school; last year took a tole mentally as well as physically. Have worked there over 20 years, it is time to let the younger people have a chance. Besides my part time job at the retreat center is very satisfying and much less stressful. We all have to take stock of our lives every now and then to keep on the path the Lord has for you. To recess what is really important and what we need to let go of. Put your life in the hands of the one who created you, He knows what is best and will make the way straight. My interpretation of Proverbs 16:1.
I am looking forward to a slower pace for the rest of the year.
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