I needed resiliance this week. I'm not sure I had a lot to withdraw from "the bank". A church interim job interview was in the offing. I woke up not feeling well (maybe a touch of that flu that's going around). The bedroom light bulb burned out when I turned it on and that put me behind schedule. Then I discovered that the toilet was clogged and running out over the floor and down into the kitchen. The good ol' plunger only made it worse.

From bad to worse went the day. I noticed that I was "cranky." Not enough sleep. I had to drive to the Sunoco station to use the bathroom. Yuk. I was grateful that the shower worked. Arrangements for a plumber made, I walked off to the day feeling rather off center.

Days like this hit us by surprise. We are not always prepared. I was fortunate in that I had my morning prayers before all this began. At least I had some spiritual nourishment. What got me through was a lot of deep breaths and short prayers. I had to keep reminding myself to stay centered and not give in to the overwhelming cloud of doom that was ready to burst over my psyche.

My learning came in that I had a repetoire of options and possibilities - I did have a plunger in the closet (even if it didn't work). I was able to cast pride aside far enough to make it to Sunoco. I also had the presence of mind to give up "fixing" the toilet and stay focused by delegating the task to the expert plumber whose number I had the manged to keep handy. Morning prayers helped - now I need make sure I don't delay them as I sometimes do.

This sounds like the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared". I will be.

Easter Blessings,

Bob

Easterweek, 2009