The meal I didn’t eat

Posted by John
October 5, 2005

I just spent $5.50 for a meal I didn’t eat.

This month has been absolutely crazy. All of the various things I’m normally involved in, as well as a few special circumstances, have hit at the same time. I have Mountain T.O.P. stuff happening; I’m working on starting the new Sunday School class; work has been very busy; I’m running over to my parents’ home every other day (they’re on a month-long vacation) and trying to relay a message to them today.

Earlier this week, I got an e-mail from one of the people whom I taught soap-making in Kenya asking me for $500. I don’t have it to give him; I’m pretty strapped myself, and I have some dental work next week that I am going to have to make some arrangements to pay for. I also know that he asked a couple of other people for the exact same amount during the trip. LEAMIS discourages us from making gifts to individuals, because it causes jealousy and division; we generally give to the church or mission organization with whom we’ve been working and let them decide how to parcel it out. But I still felt stressed out by the request and uncertain how to respond.

I frequently post the words “I’ve been busy” in this blog, but this week I really feel like I’m being pulled in about six directions at once, and my friends in each direction don’t know or care about the other five directions.

Even Sunday morning, I had to take a photo at church and be Sunday School greeter.

Tonight, I looked forward to our normal Wednesday night fellowship meal at church. But as soon as I got in the door and paid my $5.50, a church member was in my face asking me to e-mail the photo I had taken Sunday morning to the United Methodist conference newspaper. It was a very small request from a dear woman who wouldn’t hurt me for all the tea in China, but it was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. I took the information from her and then I felt like I had to get out of there, to go home where no one would ask me to do anything.

Of course, when I got home I realized I had to work on a couple of letters for Mountain T.O.P., and call a woman who’s applying for a Mountain T.O.P. staff position, and do my laundry, and keep trying to get hold of my parents. My apartment is a disaster area, and has been ever since I returned from the trip six weeks ago.

I wish I had my expanded cable hooked up tonight; I really need to relax. But they won’t be here until tomorrow.

Please forgive me for venting; in the great scheme of things, I don’t guess my problems amount to much. But I really feel lousy tonight.

Personal

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  • i do the same thing. actually my girlfriend erin has eaten my meal as i've talked and talked.
  • Ivy
    It's kind of amazing how many bloggers I like to read are Methodists. We are the cool people, f'sho! ;)

    I hate feeling pulled in so many directions. I do the same thing, withdraw from a situation so I can just get everything sorted out. Don't forget to take care of yurself. :)
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