One way to tell you are exhausted...

"Hello, Hello. Hi Mike, it's Mom." Not sure why but I always feel the need to announce myself when I call family and friends. The phone clearly displays my name when I make a phone call to our son. Yet, every time I call him, I feel the need to say "Hello, It's Mom" or something similar.

"Just calling to check in and let you know I'm enjoying the writer's conference. How are you all?" I wanted to contact Mike, Christine and Rowan to let them know the conference was going great. All was well and I wanted to check in and say hello.

The wonderful conference was the North Carolina Christian Writer's Conference presented by Serious Writer. Informative classes, inspiring speakers, great workshops, meeting with agents, editors and industry specialists and also, eating delicious food was part of each day of the event.

New friendships, new contacts and a huge collection of business cards are some of the treats of the conference.

The event was filled with fantastic activities from morning to night. Taking notes and learning from presenters were huge blessings.

Yet, at the end of the day, I was exhausted. A good kind of exhausted. My mind was filled with many exciting memories. Thoughts of the event kept running through my mind.

After the conference ended, Alan was waiting in the car to take me back to the hotel. A good night's rest was needed so I would be refreshed for the next day.

I couldn't wait to call Mike, Christine and Rowan and share my excitement.

Our son answered the phone and we chatted. Alan drove and I shared with Mike about the day and all the fun.

A momentary pause. I looked down at the floor of the car to make sure I had remembered my briefcase, notebook and bottle of water.

Wait! Wait! Where was my phone? Oh, no!!! Could I have forgotten my phone?

A frantic sound escaped my mouth. "Alan, Alan, where's my phone?"

My sweet husband looked at me with the strangest expression on his face.

"Dear, do you mean the phone you are holding to your ear and talking on?" Alan's grin turned into a huge smile.

"Mom, oh my gosh! I think you need to go to bed and get some rest." Mike had a slight chuckle in his voice.

Silly Mimi. I was so exhausted that I didn't even realize I was using the phone I was trying to locate.

Folks, that is some serious "exhaustion".

Once I recognized my mistake and agreed I was exhausted, we decided to end the phone conversation and talk again later.

Lots of laughter from Alan and me. I bet Mike was laughing at his Mom, too.

When you are exhausted, do you look to God for help? Do you try to do everything on your own? Remember His help is always available for you. Just ask.

Also, remember to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi