Escape

There are days when I love my job and days when I don't. Each August seems to be the latter. It's a test of endurance, lots of stress and all-around wondering when it will end, as we attempt to award financial aid to students who are submitting information at the last minute. Exhaustion plays a big role and I hit my limit earlier this year. For that reason, I decided to take a day away from work last Tuesday.

There were a couple of reasons for the escape. I didn't get enough sleep on Sunday night and didn't perform well at work on Monday; I hadn't seen my son in a couple of weeks; and I just wanted to get in my car and drive.

I found a flimsy excuse to go to Athens and began my out-of-the office day. As I traveled, I pulled out some old CDs (yes, I still listen to CDs!) and sang along. I delivered some stuff to my son at UGA (all of 5 minutes of face time), visited our other campus and talked shop, had lunch with a friend working in the area, came back to pick up my daughter from school, set up Fitbits for mom and dad, then headed home.

It sounds kind of dull, but it was one of the best days I've had in a while. It was an opportunity to let go the cares of the job, the constant working around the house, and give my mind a chance to rest. I need to learn how to keep the pressure from building. I need to remember these instructions more often.

Psalm 124:7-8 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.