ICRS

It's that time of year, when the Christian publishing industry holds its annual convention. This year it will be in St. Louis, and I'm waiting at the airport to catch my flight. It's been several years since I've needed to go to ICRS (it used to be called CBA-Christian Booksellers Association), but since it's being held near my territory, I am one of the chosen few. A lot has changed since I first attended 17 years ago. Going to ICRS usually meant two weeks were blocked in my schedule. The first week, we had sales conference, and were allowed to have our families there. Once the meetings were over, we could spend the weekend being tourists. Now that the economy has reeked havoc on independent bookstores, and the company has cut back to save money, I'll be heading out tonight and be back by Wednesday, all without the family. The first year I went, I think I went non-stop, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with one bathroom break and a 10 minute lunch. This year, I anticipate chatting with my customers, saying hello to people I just saw in the last three weeks or will see in the next six, and watching the clock go tick, tick, tick.
 With all the changes going on with work, I was reminded in church this morning from the book of Ecclesiastes, that I need to be content. And so I will set my mind and heart to that end.

Eccl. 5:18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.