This has been a burdensome day. Decisions and challenges are piling on top of my already crowded desk. It took my best concentrated effort to focus and be the leader of cheer.
When the friendly competition recruits your players, it’s annoying. After two of my teachers have been recruited away life feels too uncomfortable. Two big schools will clearly get better with these additions from our small faculty, but we are left hurting.
Well it’s been quite a pity party. I’m the main act, the complete guest list and the party crasher all at the same time. Woe is me!
When pressure comes, I am generally unflappable. Panic is not a common reaction. Neither is anger. My typical approach is to systematically tackle one part of the challenge at a time. This time however, I feel overwhelmed.
I have had two very talented employees who have left for outstanding opportunities. Can I fault them for that? Certainly, I want the best for those who have been a part of our team. Honestly, I am happy for them. But, I feel abandoned. Now there is a very difficult slope to climb just to get back to square one.
A few days ago the Lord let me watch a whitetail buck with budding velvet antlers romp in my backyard. We traded bovine barks. I was totally taken by the experience and momentarily forgot my troubles.
I have been feeling in need of another reminder of His presence. But, I thought that my quota for special God-moments was exhausted. Then, something special did happen.
In the middle of a store parking lot, just as I was pulling into a slot, there she was. I looked. I smiled. I chuckled.
Waddling across an expansive asphalt parking lot was a mother mallard. She was followed by a brood of down-laden ducklings, chirping randomly and bumping into mommy’s booty whenever she paused to dodge a car.
Once she disappeared behind rows of parked vehicles, I smirked up to heaven. God is still watching. He is still caring. He is still loving. Maybe if not tomorrow then eventually soon, the good news will start to pour into my office.
If deer freely roam in my backyard and ducks with their ducklings waddle across parking lots, then there’s got to be good stuff out there just ready to happen. Things have got to start perking up, don’t they?
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May 14, 2008 at 10:23 am
stephanie
hi, its me again. i hope to bring some uplifting cheer
i hope u have a great day and that things brighten up 
may God bless u 
days that get us down feel like the worse, sometimes they even feel worse then the days that we are home with the cold. at least then we are home and comfey in p.j’s. i have heard some people say that we have to have the bad days in order to see the good ones. its hard to make it through the bad days, but u can do it. just keep feeling happy for the people and wish them the best of luck. hopefully some more good ones will come along to help. but for now, i suggest to go get a cup of coffee topped with cool whip and chocolate! how yummy.
May 14, 2008 at 11:56 am
brucefong
Thanks so much, Stephanie! Your words did encourage me. Thanks! Life in the leadership role is just tough. But, God is sufficient! God bless you!
May 14, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Vera
“Things have got to start perking up, don’t they?”
Sure do… trust me, I’ve had a lot of exercise in that in my life! In those times I remind myself that our gracious Creator says “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s the “be still” part that’s hard to manage and the “I am God” that pulls me back Home. And then I think of when the Lord told the churning waters, “Peace, be still!” and even those troubled waters listened to His authority and all the sea was calmed and all the other little boats around, even they enjoyed the calming of the sea. In recent trials in my life, I’ve looked heavenward expectantly and I’ve asked my Gracious Provider, “OK. Where are You and I going now?” It remains an awesome journey!