When we’re under stress or facing an urgent situation, relief can sometimes come in the most unlikely of places or ways.
My husband and I moved across the country several years ago. We were overwhelmed and under time pressure. As we packed, I helped my husband sort through boxes from his childhood. While I wanted to help, I didn’t want to make decisions for him.
I could feel my frustration and worry welling up inside me – would we be able to do all of this on time?
When I was just about at a breaking point, I found an old stationery box with the words, “Emergency Crayons” scrawled on the outside in the handwriting of a five-year old. Lifting the lid, I found several red, green, purple, and yellow crayons – most of them chewed on, broken and almost too small to use.
Already emotional, my heart swelled, and I couldn’t fight back the tears upon finding this sweet and innocent act of a child from so many years ago. I knew then that the stress from the move was just temporary. It gave me confidence that everything would be alright.
With all the changes and problems facing financial aid and higher education professionals, it’s no wonder your stress is at an all-time high.
As you deal with the current financial aid crisis, may you find your own set of emergency crayons – just when you need them.
-by Catherine Mueller