Rachel Young

monday, november 11, 2002

As the Bangles would say: it’s just another manic Monday.

Swamped and drowning at work, I had to step outside for a few minutes to take a breather and clear my head. At 4pm, I realized I hadn’t even had time to eat lunch. No wonder I was grouchy.

Tis the season to be busy, busy, busy.

At one point during the day, I just wanted to put my head down on my desk and pretend I was somewhere else – somewhere warm and tropical along the coast of clear, blue waters, listening to the sound of Bob Marley, Bob Seger, or Rita Springer playing through my headphones.

Well, thank goodness Monday is almost over.

I came home late this evening, tired and drained, but determined to hit the gym. I checked my mail before heading upstairs to the fifth floor, and I found a pleasant surprise. I immediately recognized the handwriting on the envelope as that of my best friend of 13 years.

Her greeting immediately put a smile on my face and turned my Monday blues upside down. But as I read through the letter, my heart started to sink a bit. Pouring her heart out in written words, I began to realize she’s been going through a rather difficult period as she learns to adjust to certain aspects of her new life. It surprised me a bit, because whenever I see her, life always seems peachy and grand. Ideal even. But I guess I haven’t taken the time to ask her how she’s really doing. And then a feeling of guilt washed over me for not having been the faithful friend I want to be to her and the type she deserves and has been to me.

My prayers and my thoughts go out to you tonight, M. You know I love you dearly, and though miles away, I’m always here for you when you need me. May you trust in the Lord’s strength and in His faithfulness during this time.

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Another friend called late in the evening last night to vent about relationship problems. It’s odd. Of all people, I’m probably the least experienced and yet for some reason, everyone seems to come to me for advice or solace on the matter. Last night’s situation was a bit difficult, because I’m friends with both individuals involved. As he expressed his frustrations, I sympathized with him and yet felt I was only hearing one side of the story.

"If she tries to contact you this week, can you explain my side to her?" he pleaded with me.

Somehow I always get stuck in the middle. Peacekeeper is my middle name.

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For some reason, I have a slew of people on my mind these days. And just trying to maintain a close friendship, much less keep in touch with them, has been rather difficult. But I trust the Lord hears my prayers for them and will watch over them throughout the trials they currently face.

As for me, well . . . the Lord is revealing to me what is truly important in my life and what isn’t. Now it’s just a matter of what I do with that revelation.

Starter. Make some much-needed phone calls tomorrow.

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