You see I have worked for the same small company for 8 years now. I was blessed with a boss that went through infertility and IVF right along with me. He gave me full pay for two months of maternity leave and has aloud me to work around my children's schedule. I have been part time for 5 years now. To me it was more than worth it to cut my pay and be home with my kids. Lately work has been picking up. A lot. So my boss brought in a "marketing" person to help us here and there. He called this morning to inform me that he had just hired her along with another person full time. Now I really enjoyed our company of three and our growth to four was going very well. But I am not taking the expansion to six the way I had hoped. See I was very happy with our little mom and pop business. But it is not mine, it is his. My concern comes for his sudden reason for growth, money. This "marketing" person is pushing for me to come back to work more and all under the premiss that there is "so much money to be made." But for me it is not about the money. It is about family and doing a job I enjoy. So I ask what is it about money? Surely by now we know it doesn't buy happiness. Sure it is helping me get the new house and it pays for fill up my large red beast with gas. But do I really need "a lot" more than I already have? I don't think so. Or as Jeff would say, "for human's enough is never enough." (From one of his favorite movie, Over the Hedge.)
So what are your thoughts? Sure money is good and can be used to help others. But is our pursuit of it really for the right reasons? Is it worth the time away from our families and the stress? I am just praying for God to help me to make the right moves and decisions for our family. And for him to help me to go through this season of change and test with grace and mercy.
Your heart is giving you clear direction, Donna. Listen to it. I would offer you the challenge of taking some quiet time for yourself. Turn off the phone, computer, etc. Take a walk, sit quietly, whatever, but make time to let your heart and head communicate and listen to God's desire for you. I have struggled with similar issues and what I have come to clearly realize is my children are my mission field. In the grand scheme of things, we have so little time. We get one childhood with our kids, there is always time to make money. Your family will remember the time you spent and the values you imparted, they won't remember how many zeros were in your paycheck. Pray for guidance. He will deliver! I will include your situation in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteTera, I have read your comment so many times. I just want to thank you. You are so right about the money. My kids are worth more than any amount. Quiet time is another matter. I think I have forgotten how to have it. Every time I have a chance, my mind just races with information. I have struggling with turning it off. Thank you for the prayers and the support that family is first (second after God).
ReplyDeleteSo, since I know you well (maybe a little too well)...I know that you are a night owl...so use it to your advantage! (: I like to do my quiet time in the morning, preferably if I can get up before the kids, but that doesn't always work these days, so I have had to start doing mine more after the kids go to bed and the house is still again. Even if you have so sit in the driveway with a flashlight...it is necessary....trust me, you know what I've been up to the last year and since I've started being very intentional about it again, I can tell a difference in me! No matter when you do it, you and I both know that it makes a HUGE difference in our lives and others, in our attitudes, and makes things just a lot better for us in general when we take time. Unwinding a little is a must (I know, easier said than done as we make the invisible lists in our heads)...drink some decaf and relax. As we pray for each other, now I know to be more specific...I love you, Hun!
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