My job... what exactly is my job? For the past almost five years I have operated a wedding cake business from my home. I have a great set up- commercial kitchen so I could be licensed, a consultation room to meet with brides in so they don't have to trek through my house. I love making cakes. But when does a business become a burden? Where do you draw the line between work and family time? Especially when you're working in your home?
The past few weeks have been spent in prayer over this. It's been put on my heart that my first job is to serve the Lord, and then my family. Cake is an "extra". It sure is nice to have the extra money coming in, but at what expense? I'm always tired, I'm always stressed, so many nights my kids are rushed to bed so I can get to work. DH works on the road, and while he's been very supportive of my business, I know it's wearing on him. He gets home and usually has to take care of the kids all day Friday and most of Saturday while I work. That leaves him a day and a half, if he's lucky, to get his things done and relax. My home isn't feeling much like a home these days, what with the piles of unfolded laundry and all the unfinished projects that have taken a back seat. And all it takes is the brightest of lights in my children's eyes when I say "Mommy doesn't have a wedding this weekend". Oh, the squeals of delight and the hugs and kisses that come with those words. No amount of wedding cake money can buy that kind of happiness, I know that much!
God gave me this talent of decorating to be used in it's own time. And I'm beginning to see that He didn't mean for that time to be now. There will come a day when my children are busy with their lives and won't need me as often, at least not physically. Then will be the time to devote to this gift. But right now, my job lies with the family I have been given charge over. It's very hard for me to let go of this, but I know it's the right thing and every single person in my family will benefit from it. I want my kids to look back and say "my mom spent lots of time playing with us, we did fun things together when we were little." Not " my mom made spent hours working on cakes for people we don't even know and we never got to spend enough time with her".
I came to the decision last night that I am taking a year off!
I haven't felt this at peace with myself in a long time! I know this is the right decision, and I know the Lord is smiling upon me right now. There will still be people getting married and needing a cake in a year or two. So for now, I am only going to take the orders that I truely want to do. I have a few weddings on the books for next year that I will keep, but two of them are freebies for family anyway, and I enjoy those. I may take on a few more throughout the year, but only if it's not taking away from my family. Now I just need to wrap up what's on the books for 2007, and claim my family life back again! Whooo Hoooo!!!! Yup, best decision I've made all year!
Comments
Monday, September 10, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sweetie
I went through the same kind of decision for my business, but eventually we settled on 2 Saturdays a month for our business. It allowed us the needed funds and then on the 3rd month we don't do any. So we take off Janurary, April, August, and November....which was a good compromise . Be blessed and congratulations for setting boundaries that work for your family!
Sweetie
