Here’s what my past 2 weeks have looked like:
– 104 hours working
– 30+ hours driving
– an alarm clock going off at 4:30 each morning
– an hour gained every morning from my drive
– only to lose it at the end of my work day
– a rough average of 6 hours of sleep per night
– two weeks too many of meals on the go
– constantly meeting new people
– having to meet some important deadlines
– many fillings at the gas station
Here’s what a normal 2 weeks typically look like:
– 80 or less hours working
– maybe 3 hours of driving
– an alarm clock going off at 4:30 only once during the week
– staying in the same time zone
– an average of 7-8 hours of sleep
– a good balance of eating out and cooking
– the only new people I meet are customers
– a few deadlines here an there
– maybe having to go the gas station once
I’m not saying all of this to complain, especially since some of your weeks look like that all the time and then some. But here’s the thing: The past two weeks have been anything but awful or worth complaining about. But instead, I want to share with you in my joy.
Philemon 1:7 says, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” As I was thinking about the past 2 weeks on my drive home this evening, this verse came to mind and here’s why.
The past two weeks, I was given the opportunity to drive to Valpo each day to help get a new store ready to open. It was an hour drive each way which I wasn’t quite so sure about at first. But I began to love that time in the car. Each morning, I got to welcome the sun to the new day as it peeked through the horizon in my rearview mirror. Each day, I had no choice but to be alone for two hours. Most days, I was able to listen to some incredible sermon podcasts. Other times, I just sat in the quiet or had some conversations with the Lord. And I began to love the drive each and every day. Even if I had a hard time getting out of bed each morning.
Once I got to the store, I was greeted by aisles full of pallets of apparel, waiting to be unboxed, censored, and get put in their proper spot. It was overwhelming to see the empty walls and shelves, knowing the amount of work ahead. But it was a two week break from customers and cleaning up customer messes. And instead was only complete merchandising. My favorite and biggest strength I possess for my job. And I got to do it for two continuous weeks without being interrupted to point out where the bathroom was located. I was in retail heaven. And the transformation from the time I started to when I left on Friday was incredible. So much progress because of the hard work put in by so many people.
I was also greeted by a store full of friendly faces. All the faces were ones I had never met before. Which, for an introvert like myself, usually tends to be kind of overwhelming. But it was different. Everyone I met was so kind and welcoming. Such positive attitudes and willingness to learn anything and everything. Even when I made them refold shirts stack after stack because they weren’t quite crisp enough. They were so easy to work alongside and I enjoyed getting to know them while answering their many questions, teaching them skills for the job, merchandising together, or going out for lunch. They were so encouraging not only to each other, but to me as well. I was able to share with a few of them about the World Race, and even though they barely knew me, offered such great words of encouragement and wanted to keep in touch so they could be filled in about my trip. By the end of the two weeks, I easily felt like I was a part of their team and store. They joked about me transferring to the store even though it would only be for a couple of months. But all joking aside, it was kind of temping (although impossible) because I felt like I belonged and was a part of their family. And made me remember how being with family can make you feel like you can rest and be yourself. Such a refreshing time so unexpectedly.
And I’m still asking the question of how that even happened. Here’s the thing, the new store isn’t in the same district as my store. So typically other people outside of the district don’t come to help out other stores. But yet, I was asked to come and help out. There were many other people that came to help out from other stores, but they would only come for a couple of days. But yet, here I was at this store outside of my district, for not just a couple of days, but for two whole weeks. No other outsider was there for two weeks. So I don’t know how that all happened and how I was the lucky one to get the two week shifts, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity and the change of pace from my store. And the people. They will forever have a place in my heart because of their kindness and making me feel like one of their own. And I’m so thankful to have met them and hopefully won’t be the last of spending time with them either. So refreshing for my heart.
Then I was able to go camping this weekend. At a campground 5 hours away. So even more driving. For a camping trip less than 24 hours. But it was a glorious 20 hours. Being outside. Sleeping in a tent. Meeting more new people. Building a campfire. Going hiking. Hanging out in my hammock. Quality conversations. Unplugging from the rest of the world. I’ve missed this. So much. So many of my summers have been filled with those things because of working at camps. And now that those summers are gone, it’s easy to forget how sweet and meaningful those things are. Until a weekend like this happens. And my soul begins to be refreshed. And I long for these times to extend longer. But just like that, it’s already over.
And here comes reality crashing back into my life. And I’m scared. And anxious. And would absolutely love your prayers. Because these two weeks have been so good for my soul. Amidst the craziness of feeling like I’ve only been working, driving, sleeping, and eating, I’ve really enjoyed it. I didn’t anticipate the two weeks going like this at all. And God has used this time to bring about rest. I’m just not quite sure if I’m ready to give it up again and face reality. Do I have to give it up? Or is there a way to keep this refreshment around in everyday life? I don’t know the answers to these questions, but I’m asking God to show me if and how it’s possible. Join with me in these prayers?
