Embracing This Season

Last fall I considered going back to work. I have to admit there wasn't a lot of thought process involved in the decision or much time spent in prayer, it was a more of a reactionary response to some events we were experiencing. (never a good thing)

 I went online, found a position that looked promising, put my application in and forgot about it. Fast forward four weeks later... I was called for an interview.... again without thinking.. OR praying about it. I agreed to the interview and a week later  I was offered the position and accepted it.

I now had a job but no peace....none. It seemed like the perfect position, the hours were flexible, and the compensation was good, but had I really considered all that would change at home? Had I considered the physical challenges? Had I really counted the cost of me going back to work?

The truth was I had enjoyed being home and it has been good for me physically. Last year was kind of a recovery year for me, so it was easy to justify not looking for employment after I lost my job but, I have been feeling so much better, wouldn't I be more of a help bringing in some extra income instead of staying home?

Now, I was praying about it, (better late than never) I was thinking about what I do at home, and what things would invariably change if I went back to work. The first thing I realized was that I needed an attitude change, there was still a part of me deep down inside that believed being a nurse was more valuable than being a homemaker, especially now that my children are grown.

This is familiar territory, I have been around this mountain before. When I first stopped working I made a list of how my time could be used now that I was home

• I can work my schedule around my husbands needs
• More available for grandchildren, I can go to events and be available to assist in care
• More available for Sister-In-Law's care, and many in the facility could use an encouraging word
• I'm friends with several young moms without moms locally
• More opportunities for hospitality
• Learning new things

I eventually declined the position I was offered a week after I had accepted it (before I technically started) I realized that what I was doing at home right now had more lasting value than what little income I could bring in. Is this permanent? I really don't know...life continues to change and there may yet be a time when I will find myself back out in the work force, but for now I am going to embrace this season of mine.