Hi, all. It's Sunday. It's my Sabbath Day.
I have taken to making Sunday a day of rest. I allow nothing on my to-do list on Sundays. I make no commitments. I always take a nap. I believe God commanded the Israelites to make the Sabbath holy - that is, set apart - for a very important reason. He commanded us to take a day of rest because we were designed to need rest. We weren't meant to be striving twenty-four hours a day, nor seven days a week.
My husband knows I've been honoring the Sabbath for many months now. It's not new. So maybe knowing that I'm still carrying on my same traditions will help some of you know I haven't lost my mind.
You see, I quit my job.
I quit my job of twenty-three years. I quit my job with guaranteed income and paid benefits. I quit my dream position of coaching and serving others in my field of experience. I quit being who everyone could depend on.
I also quit striving. I quit solving problems. I quit covering for people who wouldn't take responsibility. I quit being the person who had the answers. I quit being frustrated.
I know it appears rash to some. And that's okay. Sometimes God's guidance looks that way on the outside. The truth is, my husband and I have been talking about me joining the family business for a long time. We figured that after a year or two, I'd join him in appraisal work. God had a different plan.
This last year was one of the most difficult of my whole career. Not only was I having nightmares about how frustrated I was, things outside my job went haywire as well. I had over twenty absences this last year. I never have that many absences. A few of them were mental health days, to be true, but as many of you know, there were some pretty significant life events as well. My family needed me. This year we were affected by anxiety, depression, substance abuse, police action, and even suicide.
By the time this school year was over, I knew it was time. And as happens with God's timing, all the pieces fell into place.
You see, I'm a bad-ass. I'm a woman with a mind of steel and heart of fire. Whatever I do, I do it with a passion that sees it to completion, loving others fiercely along the way.
Now I can be that for my family. They don't have to settle for the leftovers anymore. They get the best of me.
This is a new chapter. I have a lot to learn before I will be a benefit to my husband professionally and begin generating income for our family. I'm not afraid - just impatient. But while I learn, I get to BE with my family. I don't have to rush. I can be present. I can be a better wife, a better mom, a better daughter and daughter-in-law. I can be a sister and an aunt. I can be a better friend.
Once I have a bit more training and feel a little more comfortable in my new work, I will have mental time and space to read, to think, and to blog. I'll be able to explore mental health issues and learn all I can about suicide prevention. I'll be able to coach and love others with my 40+ years experience in living life. Maybe I'll even take on some consulting work. Who knows what God has in store?
God says to cease striving. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do that well. I'm a pretty high energy person. But now I am free to simply strive in loving others, not solving people's problems. It's an unbelieveable position to be in. I am blessed.
So, when you need me - I'm here.
Peace an Love,
Jennifer
