Counting One's Blessings

Once upon a time I had a relationship with deadlines that went like this--at the last minute I would kick it into gear and finish whatever it was or arrive where ever I was supposed to, with an apology on my lips.  I most often made the deadlines, I just didn't often have moments to spare.  I was a last minute Lucy.

Then about 18 years ago I met and was mentored by Melanie when I began to teach at my current school district.  Melanie was whatever is the opposite of a procrastinator.  She was always the first to turn things in, the first to leave because things were finished, the first.....In short, although I came to love Melanie dearly, it was really hard to keep up with her.

I learned not to try to compete.  Melanie was the winner in the first finishing department every time.  I didn't need to be first.  I just needed to be better than last.  I began to learn the wisdom in doing something when it was assigned.  I learned to think and act a little ahead of the game.  I learned the good feeling of relaxation it gives me to know that I don't need to catch up.

While I can't say I am never rushed or harried, I am after all rather busy, I can say that when given the opportunity, I plan ahead.  I work ahead.  I do it on the blog.  I do it in my life.  When I recently had a day off I cooked ahead, caught up all the laundry, read ahead for my woman's group, and even organized a couple of things.  Doing those things ahead didn't take away from the enjoyment of a day off, they just helped me to be more relaxed when the hectic week began.

When I first worked with Melanie I thought she would drive me crazy with her overachievement and punctuality.  But when we became friends and over time, I came to know Melanie as one of those blessings in my life.  She taught me to have time to count my blessings and not always be hurrying to finish the last thing.