The past eight weeks have been filled with Bell Curves, sample sizes, and portion sizes taking up space in my brain and finding their way into my dreams.
I have had more dreams about statistical notations and the outcomes of tests where researchers were able to reject the null hypothesis than any Memphis homegirl should ever have to endure!
On the other hand, or should I say, on the other side of statistical significance, I feel more intelligent than I did eight weeks ago. I have learned a few high-fluting words that I can use to impress my neighbors with, and I can quickly recognize when I am being duped by a false report meant to sway my emotions, vote, or the way I spend my hard-earned money.
All in all, these past eight weeks or so have not been too unbearable while learning about statistical analysis.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned this summer was that it is OK to ask for time off.
Calling myself a workaholic is not shocking to those who know me. If I am not doing something productive, I feel like I cannot breathe.
My husband and I forced ourselves to take a couple of days off during this period. Asking for time off was one of the hardest things I’ve done in a long time; statistics included!
We found a cute little cabin to rent that was hidden in a quiet little campground where no one could find us.
To connect to the internet or make a phone call, you had to drive into town.
We would go out on the back porch and sit. Not saying a word, just sitting, listening to the wind blow, and watching the squirrels and birds hop from one tree limb to another.
We sat for what seemed like hours at a time, simply resting.
I didn’t read one line of any book, and I didn’t watch one educational documentary. He didn’t pick up one tool or make one phone call to anyone. We didn’t look at a calendar or balance a checkbook. We did absolutely nothing. Not one thing.
And you know what we found out?
We found out we wanted to book another weekend at that same cabin as soon as possible!
We needed rest.
Nothing happened in our time away from work and school that devasted our world or anyone else’s.
Everything was still waiting on us when we got back home.
There was still work to be done, animals to care for, loved ones to chat with; the same things we laid down before we left were still sitting there when we got back, waiting on us to pick it up once again and finish what we started.
At one point in our weekend, my husband and I realized that we could “hear our soul think.” We were able to hear our deep-down thoughts, and you know the ones I am referring to, the ones that are always there but are often muffled by the external noise of all the goings-on in our lives.
That few days we took time to really rest is now one of our most cherished memories.
The Bible is full of examples of the importance of rest. God rested after creating the world and all that is in it; Jesus tells us to come to Him for rest, one of God’s greatest desires is for us to —rest.
Take it from a self-proclaimed workaholic; taking time off is not selfish. It is self-forgetting.
Rest is hearing and seeing, maybe for the first time, the reality around you,
Rest is healing to the mind, body, and soul.
Rest is letting others have a chance to do things you want to believe only you can do.
Rest is a God thing.
I am leaving you with these words that have given my husband and I a brand-new lease on life. I hope you let them sink in—deep down and then take a few days off to hear your “soul think,” too.
It is OK to take time off!
Mark 2:27 “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
Pamela Fair
Maya Angelou once said, "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." This statement resonates with me. My past experiences have made me a stronger person eager to use my story to inspire and help others see that regardless of who they are or where they have been, there is always hope and to know the ability to rise above circumstances lies within.
Each day, I strive to walk in faith and hope surrounded by my family and friends' love and encouragement. I am blessed to have a life full of experiences, some good, some bad, and my ambition is to use those experiences to enrich those around me. I am a local business owner and church Executive Assistant in Highland, Arkansas. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and student.
My passion is to help those in need who are ready and willing to do the necessary work it takes to help themselves. Assisting individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, stress, grief, and various life changes are the drive behind attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University to obtain my associate degree in Human Services. I plan to further my education in this field by getting my bachelor's degree in behavioral health. I hope to use my experiences and knowledge to encourage, strengthen, and facilitate assistance to those who are in need.
I am also working alongside my husband in the community as an Automotive Collision Repair Facility owner. It has been a great privilege to assist my husband in pursuing his lifelong dream. We enjoy our work together, and it is an exciting experience for me to learn his field of expertise and engage with so many phenomenal people in our area.
I am a fun-loving individual who thrives on living life and pursuing dreams! I am an avid chess player, a lover of all things feline, and a big fan of essential oils! At the age of 50, I decided to return to school to earn my GED. Since then, I have become a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a Notary Public. I have completed credentials for ministry, became a certified grant writer, trained in hospital chaplaincy, and certified in Christ-Centered leadership. Additionally, I am a member of the North American Christian Social Workers Association (NACSW), where I have been trained in "The Role of Christian Faith and Spirituality in the Grieving Process" and "Suicide Prevention for Christians in Social Work." I am an active member of the Spring River Chamber of Commerce and the Spring River Car Club.
My faith is a huge part of my desire and passion for helping others. I strive to always be, as Christ, a light in this world and in the lives of others. In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." I endeavor to help others see the light in the darkness.
About Beautiful Feet:
Romans 10:15 (NIV)
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
"For every circumstance and season of life, God has promises that offer direction, peace, perspective and wisdom. "Bible Promises for You" is a collection of promises taken from the New International Version of the Bible and is categorized by topic for easy reference."
God led Jimmy and Pam Fair, in 2015, to partner with Highland Assembly of God, to GIVE Bible Promise Books, Devotionals, and Bibles to anyone who needs direction, peace, perspective, and wisdom.
Contact Highland Assembly or Pam Fair for more information.
870-856-3886
