I don’t know where anyone gets the idea that professors have summers off. I mean, I haven’t had to dress up every day, put on makeup, and fix my hair (so there’s that), but every day has been filled with tasks.
This summer brought some changes to my job — some new classes to teach. Some fears and disappointments. Some outright shocking situations.
Then I’ve had freelance work with multiple frustrations and clients missing deadlines (which meant the “hurry” part landed on me).
And I’ve been planning a writers’ conference.
On a few of these hot summer days, it all got to be too much. Moments of feeling completely overwhelmed. I won’t lie. I shed buckets of tears of fear and frustration and anger. And I felt inadequate to the tasks.
My kind husband took me for a few drives and let me cry and spout my fears, while he just listened. Then, in a break in my tirade against the unfair world, he would remind me that I’m capable of handling the new challenges.
I needed to slow down, breathe, and remember who I am.
I think about you all out there, my readers. The ones I don’t know. The ones who are new friends, like Terry, who met me at a conference last week and thanked me for both my book and this site. The old friends. All of you are facing your own challenges every day. I don’t know what might be going on in your life right now, but I want you to know that I’m thinking of you and saying a prayer for you.
We’re all just trying to do this thing called life the best we can. If we’re people of faith (as I am), we know that everything is part of God’s bigger plan. That it all happens for a reason. That it’s all under control.
When I remember that, when I remember that this is all bigger than me, then I can trust that God will give me the strength to do what he’s called me to do. The task is not too big. Not when I remember who I am and whose I am.
My friends, whatever you’re facing today, you will not just survive but thrive.
We can get it done.
Message me on this site or write me at lindataylor5558{at}gmail.com and let me know how I can pray for you.
Linda Taylor: Teacher, Editor, Publishing Professional 
You’ve got so much going on, Linda. That writers’ conference sounds phenomenal! Will put you on my prayer list.
Linda you know we are praying for you with all the tremendous stresses you have on you right now. I am praying God will give you strength and peace and joy and hope. You do so much for so many and do most of it behind the scenes where people don’t see the toll it takes on you. You walk so gracefully through the day that most people can’t even see the huge load you are carrying. I just wanted to thank you for all that you do to help other and most of all i wanted to thank you for being my dear friend.
It was such a pleasure to meet you, Linda. My prayers are with you to get you through this stressful time. Take care.
Thank you for this post, Linda. We just retired from the pastorate and relocated so I have felt overwhelmed for weeks/months, but a new season is ahead. Miss when we lived nearby and could share our lives. Much love to you.