There is a point on Saturday afternoon when the world is perfect. Around 3:00, when the kids are playing in the yard and after the day’s agenda is complete, there is a peace in my life that exists at no other time. While there is a freedom to a Friday evening and there’s a calm that comes with each Sunday, nothing compares to the serenity of Saturday afternoon.  It’s amazing, and it’s the reward I look forward to all week.

But, then it’s over. The evening comes and goes. Sunday arrives and brings with it the next set of routines.  All the stress that I’d set aside is gathered back up.  I begin to think about the week ahead and ready myself for what’s to come. I drop into the valley of Monday morning and set about my duties, performing my job and daily responsibilities.  

It’s a familiar cycle with its customary highs and lows. Some are real and some are imagined. But, I try not to judge them. I know they are coming and embrace them as just another part of the grind. I work when it’s time to work and play when it’s time to let go, understanding there is a balance to it all.  

Nearly everything in my life has a familiar cycle.  My job, my relationships, and even my moods and motivations.  They all ebb and flow like the rhythm of a week.  Everything has its Mondays and everything has its weekends.  

Every job I’ve ever had, from part-time in a restaurant to full-time career positions, have all had some great times.  There were days I loved being there.  I’d laugh with coworkers, get in a zone, and genuinely feel fulfilled with what I was doing.  But, each of those jobs also had some gut-wrenching lows that made me question all my reasons for being there.  

The same can be said for any meaningful relationship in my life.  Whether it’s a friend, family member, or spouse, there have been times when those relationships were on the rocks.  Feelings have been hurt, communication has stopped, and I’ve found myself questioning things I never thought I’d need to question.  But, I got through it and each time I did, I learned that relationships take work and that it won’t always be smooth sailing.  I also learned that any difficulties pale in comparison to the beauty and love I experience with the good times.  

This pattern repeats itself in every other corner of my life.  My mood will rise and fall for reasons both within and beyond my control.  As does my motivation towards the passions and goals I’ve set my eyes on.  I have my bad days, but I have some really great ones as well.    

Everything comes with its Mondays. Appreciate that anything of importance will come with its challenges.  But, without those challenges we couldn’t appreciate the contrasting highs of our journey.  So on those Mondays, lower your shoulders and face the tough times head on.  They’re just another part of the cycle.  It can’t always be easy.  It can’t always be Saturday.