Maybe this was long overdue

On this very wet Saturday morning, with storms behind us and storms predicted for the next day or two, I find myself crawling out of bed at this late hour.  It's 10:30 in the morning and I had plans that required a much earlier wake up time!  My body had different plans and I think I understand.  And it indeed is long overdue!

I've posted before about the change in jobs and career path for that matter that began last summer.  I've settled in well by now as a branch manager of a community based bank in the small rural community of Pearl River on the northshore of New Orleans.  This community is home to the Honey Island Swamp, a nice day trip for many a tourist visiting the Crescent City.  It's small but growing and it also is very friendly.  This proved to be the great change of pace I so desperatly needed after toiling at a big national bank and it's politics and lack of respect for individual value and contribution.  I have flourished at my new job.  As the local manager on the frontline however I must manage the good and the bad.  We are doing great, but we are very shorthanded now with a staff of 5 reduced to 3 because of a maternity leave and an unexpected departure.  Bottom line: my staff and I have worked some long hard hours.  Today, I have a Saturday off from work and it is only my 4th Saturday off since December 1st.  Usually, if I'm not working a Saturday, I will drive across the lake for the Deacon formation classes held at our Diaconate Center. That was my plan today.  Well, not gonna happen with a 10:30 wake up call, especially with a mandatory wake up call tomorrow(I have the 7 a.m. Mass).

You know in general, it's been a very long time that I have slept past 7 a.m.  This morning's phenomena now gives way to the difficult decision of what to do with the rest of my day.  It's quiet at hom; the wife is off doing her thing all day today and the prperty is wet, very wet.  I have no homily to prepare for tomorrow and could really rest all day.  I must confess, I am leaning heavily in that direction.  I do want to research more information about this historic week ahead with the Pope's resignation taking effect Thursday.  And as a Permanent Deacon, I am so far behind on some Lenten reading and other readings relative to some future diaconate activities.  So as I come to terms with the fact that I've overslept and I can never undo that fact, I will accept the fact that this indeed was long overdue.  And I will thank the Lord for this unexpected day of rest!