When Fri-Yay Fizzles a Bit

Friday's Happy Breakfast

Cao Tom

Fair warning, I'm going to gripe a tad here this morning.  Because, well, it's just not been that great of a week.

First week back from any trip has some challenges, so there's that.  Jet lag has been for me particularly gnarly this time out.  Not sure why, but sometimes I manage better than other times.  

And I'm used to coming back from 'perfect' weather to winter, but this year?  Wow, that's a cold blast in the face!  I know, all of you who have been living through all of January in this, I feel you.  I think I'm just here complaining about the contrast.  

And then there's the layers.  Not of clothing, but yes that too.  But in the physicality of it.  Jet lag, layered on the cold, layered on a medical test that required three days of prep, and then proved to be more uncomfortable than a colonoscopy.  True.  I'd take a colonoscopy (I've had two in my life now) over what was done to me yesterday, any day.  

And then, there's the news out of Tumbler Ridge.  Weighs heavy.  And that's all I will say about that.

Another contrast - and I've talked about this before, and I'll say up front we all need the humility - is what's called 'status inconsistency.'  That's a term missiologists use when considering the missionary life of Paul, and the wide range of status he either enjoyed or endured, depending on the circumstances and cultures in which he was serving.  Everything from being taken out and being stoned and left for dead by the highly religious folks, to being venerated and mistaken for a god by some pagan but decidedly more generous folks.  

And while nobody, but nobody ever has mistaken me for a god, anywhere on the planet and certainly not in Thailand, and I would never, ever want such a thing, there is an unmistakable comparison between the respect-based Asian way of life, and what feels like a free-for-all sport of criticizing our leaders in Western culture.  I got me some of that this week.  Still sorting it out, trying to discern how much was constructive criticism which I welcome and can learn from, and how much was just unnecessary, the process of which requires emotional energy in itself.  

So I get to this Friday sleep disturbed with an unsettled gut and a slightly discouraged ego, trying to pace out what will be two demanding weekends in a row.

Well, yay.

Why tell you any of this?  I guess because I want to be real.  And yes, I'm going to end this on the positive spin, because I believe that's essential in nurturing good mental heath.  But first, just, yeah, I've not had the best week.  I acknowledge that.

And now, the gratitudes.

Because...there really are so many.

A warm house and an oh so comfortable bed to carry me through the wakeful times.

Excellent medical attention and professional care, even for the more difficult tests.

A son who's willing to come fetch me home since I'm not allowed to drive for a few hours.

Good news about a friend's significant surgery (and what do I have to complain about anyways?).

Two important Sundays, and the important communications they represent, are falling into place.

A positive, on track meeting for our big Haiti event on Saturday, February 21st.

A surprise 'extra' donation where very needed.

The flexibility to lay down in the afternoon when jet lag had you up and working for a good part of the night.

A calendar meeting that revealed a more doable schedule for March, quite possibly.

A husband who listens to my gripe and asks, "What do you need from me today?"

A bowl of Cao Tom with the proper sauce and dried garlic garnish (from Yupa's kitchen).

The tender comforting and reassuring Presence of a Shepherd who carries me in the meditations of the 23rd Psalm.  

Fri-yay may fizzle, but in truth, my cup does run over.  Truly.