Shifting.
I think I I've found my word for the year...
shift·ing
/ˈSHiftiNG/
adjective
changing, especially unpredictably.
I'm 34 years old, married this May for fifteen years. I have two children, a toddler and a newborn. Life is very different for me than ever before; I'm needed in so many different ways now, and I love it, but it can also be incredibly hard at times.
Kevin and I spent thirteen years without little ones of our own. We came and went as we wanted. If we wanted a schedule, we had one, if we didn't want one, we didn't have one.
So life for us now, while good, it's different. And that's okay.
We've never questioned following the calling God placed on our lives. Adoption isn't about us- it's about Emmarie and Raiden. It's about giving them a life they may have otherwise not known. Sure, we are blessed. They have blessed us beyond words- but I never want to lose sight that adoption is not about finding children for families, it’s about finding families for children. It's not about us, it's about them.
So, back to my word.
Shifting.
I have always had a job; somewhere to report everyday since sixteen years old. Work is all I've ever known. When Emmarie came into our lives, I wanted nothing more than to be home with her and raise her. At that time though, being a stay at home mama wasn't going to work for our family. We needed the extra income. And, for us, daycare was never an option- it's just not something we wanted for Emmarie. There are many people who utilize daycare and that's fine if that's what works for you- it's just not something we wanted for our family.
Then, very suddenly we learned we were needed to parent another babe, and my first thought went to childcare. What are we going to do while we work? That was probably the first thing we discussed when we learned Emmarie's birth mom needed us.
Kevin and I both knew if we moved forth with a second adoption, our only option would be for me to be at home to raise these babies.
We looked back over the last six month of our lives, at some of the personal accomplishments we reached together; the biggest- getting out of debt. Specifically, credit card debt. Kevin also had a major career change- and so while evaluating where we were and where we are now, we knew that yes, this is what we had to do.
I will go back to work on February 3rd to fulfill my thirty day notice, with my last day in the office being March 4th. We've put a lot of thought into our decision and prayed about it. We know that all things happen for a reason, and we've chose to trust that God will make a way. My work is allowing me to continue on an as needed contract, doing some work from home. And just recently I was asked to do some other part-time work from home that I'm praying about.
I'm sharing this with you because I think it's important for all of us to know that shifting is okay. Sometimes it's planned, sometimes it's not. You have to do what's best for you and your family, and those around you. Shifting may not sit well with others, but it's not about their opinion of you and your choice. Life is a journey, not a race. Let's stand on the sidelines of those we care for and love, and cheer them on.
Don't focus on the doors that are closing, because you might miss out on the ones opening.
Follow your heart. Pray about it. Trust in Him. And most importantly, don't try to figure it out on your own.
Shifting. Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.
I think I I've found my word for the year...
shift·ing
/ˈSHiftiNG/
adjective
changing, especially unpredictably.
I'm 34 years old, married this May for fifteen years. I have two children, a toddler and a newborn. Life is very different for me than ever before; I'm needed in so many different ways now, and I love it, but it can also be incredibly hard at times.
Kevin and I spent thirteen years without little ones of our own. We came and went as we wanted. If we wanted a schedule, we had one, if we didn't want one, we didn't have one.
So life for us now, while good, it's different. And that's okay.
We've never questioned following the calling God placed on our lives. Adoption isn't about us- it's about Emmarie and Raiden. It's about giving them a life they may have otherwise not known. Sure, we are blessed. They have blessed us beyond words- but I never want to lose sight that adoption is not about finding children for families, it’s about finding families for children. It's not about us, it's about them.
So, back to my word.
Shifting.
I have always had a job; somewhere to report everyday since sixteen years old. Work is all I've ever known. When Emmarie came into our lives, I wanted nothing more than to be home with her and raise her. At that time though, being a stay at home mama wasn't going to work for our family. We needed the extra income. And, for us, daycare was never an option- it's just not something we wanted for Emmarie. There are many people who utilize daycare and that's fine if that's what works for you- it's just not something we wanted for our family.
Then, very suddenly we learned we were needed to parent another babe, and my first thought went to childcare. What are we going to do while we work? That was probably the first thing we discussed when we learned Emmarie's birth mom needed us.
Kevin and I both knew if we moved forth with a second adoption, our only option would be for me to be at home to raise these babies.
We looked back over the last six month of our lives, at some of the personal accomplishments we reached together; the biggest- getting out of debt. Specifically, credit card debt. Kevin also had a major career change- and so while evaluating where we were and where we are now, we knew that yes, this is what we had to do.
I will go back to work on February 3rd to fulfill my thirty day notice, with my last day in the office being March 4th. We've put a lot of thought into our decision and prayed about it. We know that all things happen for a reason, and we've chose to trust that God will make a way. My work is allowing me to continue on an as needed contract, doing some work from home. And just recently I was asked to do some other part-time work from home that I'm praying about.
I'm sharing this with you because I think it's important for all of us to know that shifting is okay. Sometimes it's planned, sometimes it's not. You have to do what's best for you and your family, and those around you. Shifting may not sit well with others, but it's not about their opinion of you and your choice. Life is a journey, not a race. Let's stand on the sidelines of those we care for and love, and cheer them on.
Don't focus on the doors that are closing, because you might miss out on the ones opening.
Follow your heart. Pray about it. Trust in Him. And most importantly, don't try to figure it out on your own.
Shifting. Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.
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