Balance and Blessings

I have been back at work for eleven weeks.  (Actually, it has been thirteen, but I am not counting my two week winter break.)  Adjusting to life as a working mom has been one of the toughest transitions I have ever experienced.  At eleven weeks in, I am still learning what it means to find balance and correctly prioritize my different roles at home and in the classroom.

Easily, the hardest part of working is being away from Bethany.  There are things that I will miss.  I know that.  Coming to grips with it, however, is much tougher than typing it.  

But . . . In the last two weeks, I have been praying for peace and for a better attitude.  Yep, I just typed that.  A better attitude.  My heart has been all over the place these past eleven weeks as far as work is concerned.  Some days, l am just fine and some days I am the queen of my own pity party.

God is working on me.

My heart is starting to really awaken to the fact that I don’t have it that bad.  Actually, I have it pretty darn good.  And remembering that I am exactly where He would have me is restoring my joy.

Does that mean that my life is perfect?  Of course, not.  But I know that He is with me, that I am blessed, and that if I’m seeking to be on His side everything will work out for good.  

Here are some good things going on in my life:

My husband and I have been pursuing each other.  It is kind of funny to type that, but after five busy new months as parents, we were in need of some reconnection time!  We went on a great date a week ago (thanks to some wonderful friends) and we have been taking a few minutes every morning for a simple devotional which has helped us both in navigating through our day.  It has been so good for us.

Bethany is growing and learning and changing right before my eyes.  It is incredible being her mother and I enjoy every moment with her when I’m home.  I do feel like I try and pour out the best of myself for her when we’re together and I’m grateful for that.  I am so looking forward to spring break!

My eighth graders are getting ready to read the script for the stage version of The Diary of Anne Frank.  Teaching the students about Anne is always humbling and I do my best to make sure the students realize that the story is NOT a fairy tale.  It is a challenge I take very seriously.  The most rewarding part is seeing how moved the students are by a girl who lived almost eighty years ago.

The Connect Group that Marcus and I are a part of is getting ready to start a new study about balance.  It am excited and thankful!  The timing couldn't be better!