So, there you have it, I'm a Work From Home Mom! This is something that Dave and I had wrestled for quite a while during my pregnancy. Make that the entire pregnancy. I have always wanted my heart to be home-focused. A great book by Sally Clarkson (Mission of Motherhood) is letting me know that this is a God-given desire and not just something I want. But, then again, would it be so bad for me simply want to be at home? I think not, but that's a blog for another day.
Toward the end of Norah's in utero journey, Dave and I stumbled upon these teachings by Mark Driscoll, titled "Marriage and Women" and "Marriage and Men." (Marriage and Women and Marriage and Men) They were challenging for both of us and I have shared them with some of you.
They specifically challenged me in the area of trusting the Lord with our finances. I found myself praying for favor for Dave in his job so that I could be at home with Norah. But, more importantly, I found myself wondering if I were living outside of God's perfect design for the family if I were working for financial gain outside the home. (Pretty sure that statement would start a world war if mentioned too loudly...that's why its in small print! ha!) So, I sought Dave's wisdom first and then we sought that of our pastor.
Long story short, I think it goes back to a simple question. A question I need to ask myself on a daily basis. Where is my heart? And is it divided? Is my heart in my home, focused on caring, nurturing and instilling life into my husband and daughter? Or is it clamoring for recognition outside of that God-given responsibility? Could I walk away from the businesses I am currently involved in and be OK with what I do with my day, my time, and my energy? Or would there be a gaping hole that couldn't be filled?
In the end, here I am, a Work From Home Mom. And I can honestly say I. LOVE. IT. It started off a little rocky - figuring out schedules - mine, Dave's, Norah's - figuring out when I would work and from where in our home (the couch is NOT a good idea by the way...), how to work and nurse and cook and clean and go to small group and church and help lead worship and...and...and...you get the point.
But, here we are 6 weeks into the game, and it looks like this is a perfect fit for our family. I'm working as a independent contractor doing software testing and love the companies I work for: Toomah and ProjecTools. I thank the Lord everyday that I have this opportunity. He has truly been at work in bringing me to this place.
And hey...the view from my desk is pretty good too...
PS-- the baby couldn't roll, kick, or in any other way move herself in this picture. I assure you, she is perfectly safe. ;-)
AND...MAD MAD MAD PROPS to my sister, Emily Williams for her super crochet skills, displayed above in both the blanket and the elephant. heart. her.
