In Case You Have to Work This Week
It's that week before Labor Day. You know, the one where the world's in a kind of state of suspended animation. In the past I always took off this week. Things slowed to a crawl in my business anyway, so what the heck.
Then there were those years starting up my business where I felt like I couldn't just take this week - or any week - off. Looking back, it made little sense. The week before Labor Day, most clients weren't interested in talking; the industry and our markets were in sleep mode. So what did I do? Since there's always something to do when you're a sole proprietor, well, I did that stuff.
But over time, as I got things more organized and found ways to be sure I was on top of things even if I took a day - or even a week or more - off, I finally returned to the old ways. So I'm taking this week off.
Ah, blessed rest! As he grew older, the late Richard Russell used to write this, when he got some respite from his work, in the daily remarks I read each day. But you don't have to wait for old age to slow you down to realize that rest shouldn't be a luxury. If you don't rest, you get haggard and your work gets sloppy. So when you hit a stretch where the world readily cooperates with your taking time off, you're crazy - almost irresponsible - if you don't.
Workaholics: Take note!
For those of us with families, there's even more urgency to taking time off. Not only can work keep you from your loved ones, but too much work makes you worse than useless when you do deign to make your presence felt.
If you're one of those recalcitrant types that just has to be at the wheel of your ship 24/7, try praying to the Holy Spirit for some guidance and wisdom here. And while I never presume to know what God's "thinking" or what advice He might offer at any given time, I do know that - have you guessed it yet? - He took off on the 7th day, after He created everything. Remember?
Now, for those of you who get all this but have jobs that require your presence during this week before Labor Day, we're with you. Hang in there. And if you're a bit down about having to keep your shoulder to the plow while the rest of us kick off our boots and put our feet up, here's a little something that might give you a little perspective about your misfortune. It's from St. Mark's Gospel, and I just happened to read this passage before I sat down to write today's post.
You know the incident, I'm sure. It's the woman who "was under an issue of blood twelve years." Jesus is walking in midst of a "great multitude." He was on his way to raise the daughter of Jairus from the dead. On his way, the multitude "thronged him." In the midst of this crush that poor woman woman deperately wanted to touch His garment. Why was she so desparate? Here's how St. Mark describes her situation:
She "had suffered many things from many physicians; and had spent all that she had, and was nothing the better, but rather worse."
If you've ever suffered from a chronic illness that seems to have no cure; or if you've ever had massive medical bills that your insurance company refused to pay and that far exceeded your ability to pay, you might understand her desperation. But even if you haven't, just read those words again. This woman was suffering from a chronic condition that not only impoverished her, but had actually gotten worse.
Of course, we know what happens. She touches Jesus' garment and is instantly cured.
Yeah, it's the old, "There's always someone with a worse or tougher situation than the one you're facing" idea. But, heck, it's right out of the Bible. And you might take this woman's lead and just turn your mind and heart to Jesus if you're a bit down about having to work this week.
Feel a little better? I hope so.
Maybe this will help cheer you up too: The rest of us will be thinking of you and praying for you. Right guys?
Then there were those years starting up my business where I felt like I couldn't just take this week - or any week - off. Looking back, it made little sense. The week before Labor Day, most clients weren't interested in talking; the industry and our markets were in sleep mode. So what did I do? Since there's always something to do when you're a sole proprietor, well, I did that stuff.
But over time, as I got things more organized and found ways to be sure I was on top of things even if I took a day - or even a week or more - off, I finally returned to the old ways. So I'm taking this week off.
Ah, blessed rest! As he grew older, the late Richard Russell used to write this, when he got some respite from his work, in the daily remarks I read each day. But you don't have to wait for old age to slow you down to realize that rest shouldn't be a luxury. If you don't rest, you get haggard and your work gets sloppy. So when you hit a stretch where the world readily cooperates with your taking time off, you're crazy - almost irresponsible - if you don't.
Workaholics: Take note!
For those of us with families, there's even more urgency to taking time off. Not only can work keep you from your loved ones, but too much work makes you worse than useless when you do deign to make your presence felt.
If you're one of those recalcitrant types that just has to be at the wheel of your ship 24/7, try praying to the Holy Spirit for some guidance and wisdom here. And while I never presume to know what God's "thinking" or what advice He might offer at any given time, I do know that - have you guessed it yet? - He took off on the 7th day, after He created everything. Remember?
Now, for those of you who get all this but have jobs that require your presence during this week before Labor Day, we're with you. Hang in there. And if you're a bit down about having to keep your shoulder to the plow while the rest of us kick off our boots and put our feet up, here's a little something that might give you a little perspective about your misfortune. It's from St. Mark's Gospel, and I just happened to read this passage before I sat down to write today's post.
You know the incident, I'm sure. It's the woman who "was under an issue of blood twelve years." Jesus is walking in midst of a "great multitude." He was on his way to raise the daughter of Jairus from the dead. On his way, the multitude "thronged him." In the midst of this crush that poor woman woman deperately wanted to touch His garment. Why was she so desparate? Here's how St. Mark describes her situation:
She "had suffered many things from many physicians; and had spent all that she had, and was nothing the better, but rather worse."
If you've ever suffered from a chronic illness that seems to have no cure; or if you've ever had massive medical bills that your insurance company refused to pay and that far exceeded your ability to pay, you might understand her desperation. But even if you haven't, just read those words again. This woman was suffering from a chronic condition that not only impoverished her, but had actually gotten worse.
Of course, we know what happens. She touches Jesus' garment and is instantly cured.
Yeah, it's the old, "There's always someone with a worse or tougher situation than the one you're facing" idea. But, heck, it's right out of the Bible. And you might take this woman's lead and just turn your mind and heart to Jesus if you're a bit down about having to work this week.
Feel a little better? I hope so.
Maybe this will help cheer you up too: The rest of us will be thinking of you and praying for you. Right guys?
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