Hefty Work Schedule

My friends from other countries have a habit of doing almost nothing the days before a recital, and nothing the days immediately following one. Its a great plan and allows one to focus on the music, not be stressed about anything, and totally recuperate afterwards, enjoying the celebration of the event.

That's what I wanted to do with this recital. But alas! My life is not my own. Not only do I need to continue working at the Library right up to the dress rehearsal, but I will return to work on Monday - as if nothing had happened, in the words of my friend.

It's sad really that a milestone event such as this one will slide by with hardly a ripple in my calendar. Just another block of time. In fact, I didn't block off the days beforehand, and people just filled up my schedule without awareness of how much I wished to focus on this other part of my life. In some respects, that is my own fault.

Unfortunately, we are short handed as it is, and I have had to take more than my fair share of time off, between kids and grandkids and mothers and health issues. I would not think of pressing an already overwrought staff farther. There is much to do, and I should be somewhat in a tizzy over the details. But by the grace of God, I feel as if I am on autopilot.

I have done what I could, the time, effort, work, and prayer have been there all along. Now I keep moving forward, confident that the result will be a culmination of years of thought, study and practice. This is freeing. I can give my best to the appointments on my calendar at the Library without getting all "het" up, as Gram used to say.

By day, a faithful faculty person. By night a sacred music director. It's a good mix.