Academically, I have had lots of papers/presentations to do. I have one little one and one big one left, but I think it will be OK. (I did panic about one of them today, but I feel better after a little more planning.)
Professionally, my students have had lots of things for me to grade. But, everything is graded now! Woohoo! Also, I have started a part-time seasonal job at Mardel. It's a GREAT place to work; nice environment, super nice co-workers and managers, and products I really like. The trick for me has been just getting used to it. I haven't worked a "real job" in about 6 years. (This doesn't include my many teaching gigs.) I have never worked retail. So by the end of each day, my brain is super mushy. And my feet hurt, at least at first. But I enjoy what I am doing, so it is all good.
Philanthropically, my friends and I are in the middle of a fund raiser for United Way of Norman. You probably have seen our Confections for a Cause. It is an awesome fund raiser, but I am feeling the pressure. I know it will end well, it is just getting there that is scary. I desperately want to raise $2,000 and we are about $350 away from that goal.
Personally, the biggest factor in my life right now is that I broke my foot. I went on a tiny little run more than a week ago, and it resulted in a stress fracture in my left foot. I am embarrassed to say the least. Especially since I went running to lose weight, since I have gained the freshman 15 this semester. But apparently the 15 added too much stress to my foot. Wow. Nice. But, it is what it is. The great news is, my employers at Mardel have generously granted me the use of a stool to sit on as I run the cash register. I think this is a big deal for them. No one sits ever at Mardel. So I am very grateful.
I don't think there is any coincidence in the timing of my injury. I had worked exactly once at Mardel and two days later broke my foot. Seriously, the timing couldn't have been worse! But God has used it to show me the best in other people. The people at Mardel have shown me enormous grace, and I have gotten to know them better. My husband has been so helpful around the house, even going grocery shopping for me (his BY FAR LEAST favorite chore). My students have made the trek across a cold campus to get things for me out of my box.
I have been a little panicky, especially this morning. I was feeling overwhelmed and felt like something had to give. Would it be canceling class? No way. Would it be calling in sick? My sweet husband talked me off that ledge. Would it be missing class tonight? Too close to the end of the semester. Would it be my LONG-planned girl's trip to Dallas? Not a chance.
So I am leaning on my God and am letting Him carry the weight right now, how ever heavy it may be. He keeps reminding me that He is in control of every part of my life. He also has put this scripture in my mind over and over during the last several days:
Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
May I commit to this attitude and work for the Lord in all I do.
