Flip, flop, flam, flip....
Apr 25, 2009to quote our previous president, whether you loved him or hated him, you have to admit some of the bush-isms were rather alliterative and kind of fun.
I suppose it’s rather obvious that I took a blogging hiatus. I can’t even remember the impetus. Maybe I was sick back in February? Once I hadn’t updated for a week or two, we were into Lent and I thought, “maybe it’s best if I just shut up for a while.” There was a time when spewing my garbage into the void seemed like a good idea. Now, I’m not so sure it’s always for the best. I’ve always struggled with the dichotomies between portrait I paint for the world to see and the one that exists inside myself. What you see is not always what you get with me. I’m not qualified to decide if that’s a personality trait or a negative anomaly, but there it is. At any rate, for those few weeks of Lent, I decided to be quiet in order to study my inner portrait.
Jim and I have also been in the midst of a flip flop (along with many families today. The wife more often has the degree where the jobs are, health care and education and is taking the greater on the role of financial supporter) for the last 18 months since he lost his job. Slowly, but surely, I have been assuming “the breadwinner” title in our family. He will be the primary caregiver for the children over the summer while I work. Neither of us ever pictured this happening. I wanted to stay home and he was willing to make that happen. It would not do well for us to complain considering the number of people in the world today who are losing their homes and standing in lines at food pantries.
That being said, neither Jim or I like change and change is all we’ve had since November 2007. First, I worked part time and homeschooled the kids. Then the kids went to school and I added about 5 hours of work to my week. Then I started working full time, thinking I’d be able to stay home with the kids this summer, which isn’t going to happen for financial reasons, so I’m looking for yet another job for the summer. Change again.
Normally, I’m a mess in situations like this. For the most part, I like things cut and dried, but that just can’t be the case here. I keep putting one foot in front of the other, unsure of what I might step in, but “onward” seems the better choice over “retreat.” Prayers have been asked for and they must be going up because I’m not freaking out. However, I am realizing the truth of the old axiom, “life happens while you are making other plans.” No we didn’t plan it this way, but here it is. Anyway, the better choice is to county my blessings. A loving husband, beautiful (and healthy) children and friends/family who love, endure and pray with us.
It’s not “all good,” in the worldly sense, but it is “all blessed.”
Blessings to you, readers, if there are any of you left out there…
Reader Comments (5)
Life often sends us a curve ball and things don't work out the way we would expect.
I'm sure God has good reason for the way things are working out for you all !
My prayers for God's blessing on your lovely family, and my best wishes on the job front for the summer......asking St Xenia of St Petersburg to pray for you too..........
Thanks, Elizabeth. Prayers are always appreciated!!
Prayers indeed. It is always lovely to see a post from you.
Thank you, Mimi!!
Of course we're still here! You can't get rid of us that easy. :) :)
Prayers ascending from Down Under.