Giving and Getting Respect

I finally made my decision about the overwhelming commitments I’ve recently made. I awoke this morning realizing I didn’t have to ditch all my newest obligations. I figured out which ones could easily be done without me. I sent emails to folks on the committee. I mentioned that I regretted doing this, but that I felt privileged and honored to be part of the initial brainstorming session, and that was the honest truth. I was also honest in why I needed to resign from some activities.

This evening, I received an email back, in an understanding tone, and also mentioning that I would be welcome at any time if my situation should change in the future. That made me feel very good. I prayed last night for guidance. I think I received that guidance. I believe I was especially well-guided in the wording of that email note. I tried to give respect to the project(s) involved. I tried to show that I was not “ditching” in the heaviest sense of the word. I tried to show that I was continuing to finish several of the obligations, those that I could easily handle and also provide them with quality work.

The result is that, when I followed the guidance, I gave respect, and I received it in return. I was surprised, but satisfied. I still have work ahead of me, to completely clear the table of these commitments, but at least now, I won’t be as stressed as I would have been if I’d tried to go on under a heavy weight.

Thank you, My Lord, for your help and your guidance, and thank you, too, for always being there for me, to hear me, to help me.