Daily Joy

The other day I was rushing about after coming home from work; eating a quick dinner of ham and bean soup, pushing the kids to the showers and practicing spelling words. As my daughter finished her spelling words and was drawing some pictures in one room, I heard some tinkling on the piano keys in another room.
Robby was practicing for his piano lessons, playing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" over and over again, but with different techniques and rhythms. I watched his slender fingers strike the keys and his wrists rise with the expertise of a seasoned pianist. I began to think of my children, how they've grown so quickly, how talented and unique they each are. Robby is obviously musical. (Robby is obsessed with classical music and composers right now. He can name "pieces" composed by Mozart, Bach or Chopin and identify them when we are in public places). He has just begun piano lessons two weeks ago and is on his "4th" lesson. He has taught himself to play all sorts of songs long before formal lessons began. He has been eating up the new knowledge and practicing every day, without us needing to push him or even remind him.
As I watched and listend to Robby, I thought of Melanie and what unique talents she posesses. She is a budding artist. She could spend hours drawing and coloring. And, inspite of her parents' lack of artistic talent, she seems to have it. Her drawings of puppies, animals and even people are really good! (She is obsessed with dogs right now. Every library book is about different breeds of dogs, dog rescue stories, etc. She can also identify dogs that she knows to match the different breeds). She is also so tender hearted. She so often puts the wants and needs of others ahead of her own.
Tears came to my eyes at that moment, watching Robby and thinking of Melanie and the beautiful and amazing people they are becoming! They really are my greatest joy!

Round Peg

I have almost always worked outside the home off and on, but I have not worked full time since becoming a mom. Until a little over a year ago. Some dramatic changes in my family and the downturn of the economy led to the need for me to take on the majority of the breadwinning responsibilities. I was fortunate to have a part time job as a youth and family counselor that allowed me to go full time simply by taking on more clients/families. I know that having that job was a blessing straight from the Lord. One problem... it was very stressful! I would set up a schedule with my clients and it would often change at the last minute. This work seemed very chaotic, no routine, no set schedule. It seemed like I was always running late. I worked into the evenings at least a couple days a week and I had hours of paperwork to do. I usually put it off till it involved an all-nighter. And since I am no longer 20 years old and 125 lbs., living off diet coke and bagels, I don't do all-nighters very well. I knew I couldn't maintain that schedule for very long. I often felt like I was a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.

As Bill and I have continued to pursue God's adventure for our lives, I sought full time employment in a variety of places. My hope was to stay in a human/social service related field, but to get out of direct client services. Or, at least have a set schedule. I interviewed for a job in our new community as a prevention specialist with the non-profit division of a chamber of commerce. It seemed like a great fit for me and I liked the non-profit element in a community based profit organization. I was so excited when they offered me the job. They needed me to start working two weeks from that day. No Problem... HA! We flew into action, packed our house and made arrangements to rent a house "Down South". Three days after moving, I started my new job. I was really excited about having a set schedule and not taking work home.
I have been with my new job for almost 5 months and I love it! Having a set schedule has really helped me to develop a good routine. I am usually one of the first few people to arrive at work and very rarely late. My family knows when to expect me and I don't have to worry about having enough "hours" to support our family financially.
Bill's schedule is a little chaotic with Starbucks, right now, but we continue to pray and believe that the right opportunity will open up for him to return to professional ministry. We know that this is what God has for our family and we trust that He has a perfect plan for making that happen. Although, we still have a ways to go, I am beginning to feel a little more like a round peg.

Snowmageddon

I know my previous post was about snow, but it seems that the snow storms are really dominating our lives these days. I was scheduled to go to a conference in Washington D.C., but with the record breaking snow falls, no flights have been going in or out! Having moved from up north where it snows and sticks from about mid November through Easter(s), I don't find our occasional snow storms here in the "south" all that bad. My coworkers who are natives are not so casual about the weather. According to them, this is the worst winter our area has seen in several years. I am, of course, being blamed for this increase in winter weather. I can take it! For a little while. But, since the snow has delayed and potentially ruined my D.C. plans, I too am starting to get a little annoyed with the snow. And, so, here is my picket sign to Mother Nature... You are now on Notice!