Up On The Roof


This past Wednesday, I was feeling worn-down. One thing that I love yet fear about my job as a high school counselor is that I have to think through very complicated situations with students and seek to find a path that leads towards resolution. Never quick, or at least rarely so. I weigh a lot of variables and strive to exhibit wisdom and empathy for the student or students involved and for those who they are in relationship with such as parents, teachers, other students, etc. Every situation is different.

I do hit the wall sometimes and just banging my skull against it isn't the solution. Thus, on Wednesday, the pressure was mounting and my resources were at low ebb. Tasks were piling up like snow and I wasn't sure how I was going to get shoveled out. I came home discouraged. Rather than double-down and stay late, I knew that I had to be rejuvenated before going back into the storm. Just rushing back into the battle is a good way to take a bullet. I needed to step back and gain some perspective.

I sensed God was saying "Don't worry about trying to control the skies" in terms of the tasks falling like snowflakes. It is what it is. There is only so much you can do. There is a song that often gives me inspiration in times of feeling worn-out. It is Up On The Roof by The Drifters. "When this old world starts getting me down." It tells about going to the roof in an urban landscape at night to transcend the trials down below of everyday life.

I sought the Lord and He lifted me up and restored my Spirit. I also worked for 13 straight hours on Thursday and got much of the lingering tasks finished. With God refreshing me the night before, I was ready to return, put my head down, and shovel some snow.


   

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