End of the Semester Stress

Everyone I have met this week has a list: papers to write, budget proposals to prepare, calendars to submit, exams to grade, evaluations to finish and things to complete before graduation. I really had to make a list of my lists this morning. I have enough “big projects” open that I had to make a list of the projects that each has its own list.  I have a list for General Assembly, our national denominational gathering for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): renting treadmills and obtaining housing for students—a list for administrative tasks: budgeting, grant proposals, and luncheon invitations—and a list of pastoral care tasks, etc. I am so thankful that I do not have a paper due. Thank goodness I preached Sunday before last! It is that time of the semester when it is hard to find anyone who isn’t stressed out.

Today I am managing to stay a little more balanced than yesterday. I took a good walk last night and exercise is so good for the soul. I put the girls in the wagon, covered their ears with hats and took off down the block. We picked flowers (dandelions), studied rocks, sung hymns and walked on our neighbors’ retaining wall.  This morning I ran into a colleague at Brewed Awakenings who reminded me of the universality of stress and that we all have full plates right now. A bit of laughter and heartfelt care for one another was comforting. I also reread a thank-you note that is very touching. The trifecta of balance for me is fresh air, the support of friends, and feeling appreciated. The fresh air means I took some time for self-care. The support of friends means I have taken time for connectedness and the appreciation means that I have actually succeeded in at least some small way.

As of this morning the countdown on the MyLC page says we have 20 days to go. Uh-Oh. So on the one hand – nose to the grindstone time, and on the other hand – please take care of yourself.

Prayer also relieves stress, and so I want to suggest that you take a few minutes to pray—whatever that means for you—in this season of craziness. Pray for yourself. Pray for others. Spend moments in silent meditation. Be still. Open yourself to receiving comfort and open yourself to being comfort to others.

Blessings to you in these final days of the semester—I will hold you in my prayers as we count the days together.

Contributed by Stephanie McLemore

Chaplain and Director of Church Relations