Clicked into Place

This week has been a challenging one. In addition to teaching a strategic management class to graduate students, I am also taking a week-long workshop required for all instructors. This workshop was extremely important because I needed to pass it in order to continue teaching at the graduate level.

I wanted to do well, so I canceled all of my activities for the week to focus on teaching my class and attending the workshop. In order to get a head start on the workshop, I began three days early to give me enough time to complete the daily assignments successfully. I did not just want to pass the workshop by the skin of my teeth, I wanted to pass with flying colors!

Though I started three days early I still struggled. As each day passed, I was becoming anxious because I was not ahead like I thought I would be. The workshop was just downright hard! I felt like I needed more time, but three days was all the school allows in terms of early access to a class or workshop.

Finally, day one of the workshop rolled around and I moved ahead with caution, trying to remain calm. At the end of the first day, I felt confused and frustrated. Fear and panic were bubbling at the surface of my skin. About halfway through day two, I stopped to take a break. I needed to refocus and take a breath. I needed to get it together because I had three and a half days left and I needed to be sharp and focused.  I didn’t want to allow myself to develop a bad attitude or for the frustration and fear of failure to consume me.  So, on edge, I left my office to get some lunch.

While eating lunch I tried not to think about the workshop, but I knew sooner rather than later I needed to get back to work. The time had come to return to the workshop, so I stood up and began walking back to my office. As I walked, I prayed, “Lord help me to do well in this workshop. I’m not understanding this. Help me to get it. “

I walked over to my computer and as soon as I sat down it felt like a light bulb clicked on.  Fear and anxiety left, and I had clarity. Within 15 minutes I not only completed the activities for day two with full understanding, but I also started the assignments for day three. I finally was a day ahead like I originally planned. From that moment of clarity, everything just clicked into place. Hallelujah! I passed the class with flying colors.

4 I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4

Blessings,

Sandra