Tomorrow is my last day at my temporary job. I've spent three weeks working nearly fifty hours a week during a business's peak season. At times, it was crazy busy, and I wondered if I had made a mistake.
Next week, it's back to being a homeschool mom once again. However, I don't believe many experiences are for nothing. God teaches us through every experience and challenge and season in our lives. I wanted to write some of those lessons, lest I forget.
First, while the money is helpful, God called me home at this period in my life. Many homeschooling mothers work, and maybe I will search for something part-time if the opportunity arises, but I am renewed in my desire and passion for homemaking and homeschooling. While I was working, I would often be thinking about what I would be doing if I was home teaching. I missed teaching, even though I still worked with my girls every morning.
Second, I kept up. That may seem funny to others, but I haven't worked as an employee for many years. However, even during the rush of people, I was able to use the computer and my dormant customer service skills. I jumped into a field where I had little formal training, and was able to learn basic answers to questions.
Third, I was given a solid reminder that I am blessed. We struggle to afford to live on one income. However, I have precious time with my children that many moms can't easily enjoy. Many mom's have to work to survive. Some are single moms or have circumstances where both parents working is the only way to survive. I met many where both parents work just to afford insurance for their children and still pay the bills. Nearly every co-worker I had over the last three weeks works a full-time job, taking this second job for extra income during the busy season. Their children are home, or at a babysitter's house.
My husband and I sacrifice so that I can stay home and homeschool. Unlike my coworkers, I don't get my nails or hair done at a salon. Going out to eat is a treat. We make our clothes last and don't always buy the newest styles. We drive older, used cars. We don't have cable or satellite. Our bathroom towels are frayed and worn. We use our stuff until it is breaking and not useful any longer. We budget and live as frugally as we can. We chose this so that we can homeschool.
I am looking forward to Monday morning. I am looking forward to getting back to my routine. I feel as if the last three weeks was me living someone else's life. It wasn't the career woman's life that I had twenty years ago because I am not that young woman now. It was a reminder, however, that I can jump into the working world, and survive.
Lastly, I felt the Lord remind me to be giving in my kindness and empathy to those that work hard. Time at home, after working all day, is usually full of dinner prep and housework. It was difficult to feel that I was spending time with my loved ones with two loads of laundry needing washed. My kids pitched in and helped, but there always seemed to be more that needed done.
Now... After one more day... It is back to my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment