Jumper cables

I think one of my ancestors must have been a Volkswagen Beetle, because getting started on cold mornings has never been one of my strengths. My engine sputtered more than usual on Friday, because I woke up remembering that we were running behind at the office and that I really needed to get out at a reasonable hour so I could get started on the enormous stack of projects I had to work on this weekend. I’m not sure what I dreaded more — the projects looming over me, or the prospect of getting a late start on them after a long and tiring day — but I started the day with a sense of foreboding that made it hard to get going.

I find that three quotes — two from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and one from the Bible — work well as spiritual jumper cables on chilly, stressful, I’d-rather-stay-in-bed sort of mornings:

To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings.
— Mary Baker Eddy

Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.
— Mary Baker Eddy

Be still, and know that I am God.
— Psalms 46:10

I thought about these ideas — especially the first one — as I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed. I’d remembered to put my clothes in the bathroom on Thursday night, so I didn’t have to dash around trying to find a clean pair of socks, which was a blessing in and of itself. (Thanks, FlyLady!)

When I got to the office, I found work piling up on me. I tried not to cringe and worked instead to quiet my thought (no small task in a busy, noisy office full of busy, noisy people!) and focus on that verse from Psalms. I find that if I can be still, even just for a few seconds, and remember that Love — not stress — is governing my day, then it’s easier to remember that my needs are being met and that I can’t possibly lack anything I need to get my work done.

I got sidetracked and interrupted umpteen times Friday, and I never once felt like I was hurrying … but somehow, my colleagues and I got caught up, and instead of having to stay late, we actually wound up finishing our work a little ahead of schedule, which meant I got home early enough Friday evening to cross a few items off my to-do list before my weekend really started.

I still have a lot to accomplish before Monday morning, but I’m feeling much better about it. My engine seems to have warmed up nicely, and I’m motoring along at a comfortable pace.

Amazing how much easier it is when we remember where our fuel supply comes from.

Emily