Fridays

Tom Barnard

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24

 

I saw a brief clip on television recently where a reporter asked a woman interviewing for a job, “What do you like best about work?” The interviewee answered, “A paycheck.” There you go. No hesitation. Just an honest answer. As a retired person, I don’t receive paychecks anymore. Actually, even when I was paid, the money was electronically transferred to my bank account. Paydays came and went, and life stayed pretty much the same. But when I did work full time, I think what I enjoyed most about work were Fridays.

 

For the final 29 years of my gainful employment, I was a college vice president. I worked in a variety of administrative positions, answering directly to the president. I interfaced some with faculty and students, but my primary “job” was serving as one of five senior-level administrators. Our paths crossed daily. We were responsible for managing our separate teams, attending meetings, and reaching consensus on major operational decisions. Nine to five, plus many evenings and weekends—attending campus functions. There were homecomings, commencement weekends, trustee meetings, luncheons, banquets, athletic events, correspondence, phone calls, emergencies, staff and faculty meetings, chapels, traveling for the school—pretty much a predictable schedule.

 

Except for Fridays. The pace remained about the same, but the focus changed. Left-over work was completed. Plans were made for the weekend—home chores, shopping, relaxation, church, travel assignments, speaking engagements, weekend sporting events. Goodbye, work! Hello everything else. I loved working, but I really loved Fridays. Now that I am retired, every day is like Friday.  Not quite heaven, but close.

 

Four centuries ago Isaac Watts wrote a hymn inspired by Psalm 118. Here is the first stanza:

 

This is the day the Lord hath made;

He calls the hours His own;

Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad

And praise surround the throne.

 

Any day is a good day to rejoice and be glad. But Fridays are especially nice.

 

Heavenly Father, I want to say that because of you, my life has been enriched. Your involvement in the work I do and the decisions I make causes me to rejoice. In my mind I picture myself kneeling in front of your throne, and my heart is overcome with joy. Thank you for walking with me this week—lifting, encouraging, healing, and helping. This day is special because of that. Every day is special because of that. I praise your name today. Amen.