One of those days...
Ugh, yesterday was one of them. I felt a little off kilter as soon as I got out of bed. And then a series of things just didn’t go quite right. From banging my knee on one of the exercise machines, to leaving my nice headphones there instead of packing them up in my gym bag. My hair was kooky (OK, it’s always, kooky, but kookier than normal), my front driver’s side tire was low and I forgot to water the plants.
Think I’ll move to Australia.
Just kidding.
The day was topped off by finding out about some new “policies” at work that will make things a little more hectic for me. Work would be a lot more enjoyable without “policies.” If I were president, I would abolish them.
When I arrived home yesterday, I was in one of those, “I’ve had it,” modes. They’re pretty unusual for me. Often, I come home pretty tired and worn out from the stresses of the day, but yesterday, I just didn’t think I could take any more. I wanted a sensory deprivation tank which would allow for total silence and complete separation from every other human being, even those I hold dear. Pretty bad, eh?
Fortunately, we went to Vespers last night (Vespers is an evening prayer service, part of the Eastern Orthodox Tradition—that’s probably over simplified). I didn’t want to go. I wanted to stay home and zone out in front of the television or read my book. But, since everyone else was going, I went as well. We hadn’t been to Vespers in a while and as I sat there, gazing at the icons, smelling the beeswax candles and listening to the chanting, I realized that I needed to be there.
Clearly, my well had gone dry.
It’s easy with all the things we fill our wells with not to realize that the well is really empty. The mindless TV shows, the music, even the good books we read may satisfy for a moment in time. But to endure, what we really need is a great big drink from the well that will never pass away. I’m not a theologian, so I can’t tell you why. I’m not sure a theologian could tell you why. I think it’s just one of those things you have to allow yourself to feel, acknowledge and partake.
That’s all folks.
Here’s to a less crazy Friday!
Spiritual Life
Reader Comments (2)
Oh. Please do move here. :D
I find you clearer than many 'theologians', and I think you said it perfectly: we do need to drink from that well. I almost didn't go to Church Sunday; but I went, and was blessed to have done so.
My prayers and wishes that this week, and this Friday, is less hectic.
Thanks, Ian! My prayers are with you also.
Have you heard of a children's book called, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?" That's where the "I think I'll move to Australia" quote came from :)