Toasted Marshmallows, French Fries and "Mango Stuff"

Is it me or do people tend to glorify the amount of time they spend at work? I follow a lot of small business accounts on social media, mostly because I admire the work they do. However, it always flabbergasts me when I see them casually drop the fact that they worked 80 hours this week or that they put in 28 out of 30 days of work a month. And I get it...sometimes those kind of schedule is necessary to stay afloat, but is it really something to be proud of?

The phenomena of working all day and working all night seems to be more and more prevalent, especially with the rise of social media and "side hustles." I don't want to damper the spirit of entrepreneurship but it seems to me that getting the proper amount of rest and recreation is part of having a good work ethic. Are you really at your best when you only get a few hours of sleep? Does it make a difference in your bottom line when you report that you were up until 3AM getting the final details on a project just perfect? And most importantly, does your heart really feel full when you push aside your family and friends to satisfy a customer who you probably won't see again in the next five years?

I'm coming off as critical. And I have to admit that I am guilty of what I am criticizing. I don't always get the time off that I want; I also don't always get to say yes to all of the time I wish I could spend with loved ones. On the flip side, I have also been on the receiving end of being pushed aside because of a last minute work obligation that was more important.

​​This past weekend was one of the first where I felt like I was busy with self care time but not overwhelmed with work. I got to have some much needed girl time where I sat with some of my favorite ladies at a favorite local cafe, Kagen Coffee and Crepes, for two hours and just caught up on each others' lives. From babies to new houses; making memories and making plans, it was fun to be with people who just wanted to have good food and good conversation. There was no need for thumbs ups or self promotion, just an atmosphere of five ladies who genuinely cared about being present for one another. (And the yummy sweet potato cheesecake crepe didn't hurt!)

One of the coolest things about the group of ladies I spent my Saturday morning with was that we were actually excited about seeing each other again later that evening for our monthly Theology on Tap series where Catholic adults meet at a bar or restaurant for drinks, food, a speaker. One of our priests, Fr. Dan Steele, talked to us about finding our mission, and over a plate of fries, I found myself nodding my head to what he was saying. Across the table was one of the ladies who was with us for brunch. Beside her was her husband, and I remembered looking at them and thinking how lucky I am to have them (and so many of the other people there) in my life. These are the people who truly care about me and what I am doing in my life and wouldn't hesitate to lend me a helping hand when I need it. I felt comfortable talking about anything from college football rankings (GO GEORGIA BULLDOGS!) to consecrated life, and as I talked to this lovely couple, I never once felt like I was being low key insulted or like they were trying to "one up" me like I often see in virtual relationships. I just felt loved.

My three day weekend was capped off today when a friend of mine invited me to have lunch with herself and her dad at their favorite Indian buffet. After having our fill of chicken tikka masala and vegetable pakora, we once again filled time with meaningful conversation and some sweet "mango stuff" for dessert. The lunch date was capped off by her dad giving me acorn squash that his wife knew I liked. I was so touched that this beautiful family thinks about me even when I'm not around.

This time of rest meant so much to me not only because people were willing to spend their time with me but because it reminded me of what life is supposed to be about. Time is the only thing we can't get back after we give it away. I can always make more money, buy another present or bake another pie, but the gift of time is permanent. When I look back on my life, I know I won't regret not spending 80 hours a week in the office, but I may yearn for more time with my loved ones sans screens. This weekend, I felt as if life was as it was supposed to be. I felt like I was surrounded by love, and the purpose of life is to love like Christ. He loves without ceasing. We need to receive Him into our hearts just as willingly as He gives Himself, even if it means we're not doing anything to earn His love. At the end of our lives, the money won't matter; neither will our timesheets or social media accounts. Instead of counting our Instagram followers and dollars in our 401ks, we should just let our hearts rest in the one who loves us without end even in our sleep.

It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

Psalm 127:2