You Look Tired

Occasionally, there's a well-meaning co-worker who will comment,"you look tired." Several of us have commented that she may as well say, "you look fat" but we do admit that the intentions are probably not as malevolent as they are received. I like to think it's a weird way of saying "you look busy. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

This has been a week, let me tell you. It had already been a busy stretch beginning March 31st with what was, has been and will be 11 pretty big events that I'm in charge of planning, coordinating & executing. These are in addition to other various duties of my job plus my "other" full time job of wife, mother & daughter.

Last Saturday rocked my world. I was already tired and run down and just seeking a little rest before the next group of events come around. Ha. One flood, one fire, one week later and I'm still searching for that rest.

Sunday and Monday, I dug through wet ashes at Daddy's house.

Tuesday, I returned to work for a little while only to find that my building had flooded over the weekend and got to dig a little more, rescuing as much as possible, moving stuff and trying to relocate offices.

Despite a series of events coming fast & furiously, my efforts turned to attending to our families and faculty affected by the storms. I set up a makeshift work space and began triaging those in need and trying to match up those who wished to help with those who needed it.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday was much of the same. Getting a few new calls from those needing help and a massive outpouring of love and support from those wanting to offer assistance. We also moved offices twice more and got to experience the challenges of not knowing where we would be from day to day, whether we'd have the basics (phones, computers, printer, etc.). When I left Friday, we had 20 families who had been identified as needing help, all in various stages of devastation. We have over 100 families, though, at the ready, offering their help to those in need.

Today, we held a garage sale at our house. I know the timing seems odd but we've been trying to have a garage sale since March. Our garage, and, of late, our kitchen, dining room table, foyer, etc. has been consumed by "stuff" that we'd like to see move so we can move on with our lives. We came home Thursday and had a flier in the mail announcing that a neighborhood sale was planned for today so we scurried and hustled and got ready to participate on little notice.

So, for the last week, I feel like I've been running mad, carrying and lifting heavy stuff, living with uncertainty and just feeling generally drained every which way - emotionally, physically, etc., etc.

There is good news though:  I'm alive to feel tired. (Some lost their lives.) I have a computer with which to communicate. (Some still don't have power.) My house is standing, safe & sound, and without mud or water standing inside. (Some are dealing with incredible challenges and clean up ahead.)

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)