TGIF

        Do you know the acronym TGIF ?  Thank God, It's Friday ?  When I was a college professor, one of my colleagues had a small pennant proclaiming TGIF that he would unfurl with much ado each Friday.  His glee was matched only by that of his students.  Of course, there are people whose work-week does not adhere to the Monday through Friday model.  Still, somehow, that mind-set seems to hold sway in large measure in the United States.
     Another former colleague retired a few years ago and when I asked about the transition, he said, "Every day is Saturday."  My own 'work-week' is now essentially a Monday through Wednesday routine.  When that began, I commented to a younger brother (himself recently retired) that a four-day week-end was nice.  His rejoinder was that a seven-day week-end was even nicer. 
      Whether it begins on Friday or another day and to a great extent, whether or not one is 'working', the week-end holds out the prospect that for a brief time the routine is changed.
Now what?  There are numerous scenarios: leisure, travel, working a second job, 'honey-do' lists (if you don't know, and your spouse does not know, don't ask. OK, it's 'Honey, do this; honey, do that.'), 'catching up', re-creation, religious activities, ...and the list continues.
    For me, a great benefit of week-end, regardless of what occurred, has been the proverbial change of pace.  To be too long at the same task, endeavor, activity can dull the mind,body and spirit.  Even the battery on this computer has to be recharged periodically.  For a great many people, this alternative to the routine is no longer an alternative and, thereby, something precious is lost. When I was a long-distance runner, I found great benefit in alternating the pace of the run.  A 'flat out sprint' could be maintained just so long; then it was time to 'coast' ; and then on to yet other gaits.  I believe a 'week-end' (at whatever days of the week) can be vital for running the long race of life as well.
     TGIF,
           Satchel