At Home in Georgia

God's Goodness and Our Perspective

You might know that in August I went back to work as a nurse at our tiny local hospital after a 5 year "break" to be a full-time stay-at-home-mommy.  I never planned on going back to work until my children were at least in high school (if we decided to send them to private school at that time) or possibly even college. 

Although I would only be working one 12-hour shift a week, I did NOT want to do it, and I really struggled with disappointment and anger that I couldn't just continue focusing completely on my family and home.  I also had a very hard time dealing with all of the articles and wonderful encouragement and testimonies of moms who stayed home and God provided needs because of their committment to not go back to work when times got tough.  I was afraid maybe we really WEREN'T trusting God enough, and making this decision out of fear and lack of faith.  Our main reason for my going back was to save money to buy a used van to replace our worn-out, ready-to-die van, and to get out of our remaining debt.  There's so much to this story, I can't type it all out, but that's the background in a nutshell.  :)

Anyway, 7 months later, God is helping me to handle the whole situation much better.  Whether our decision was the right one or not, God has blessed us amazingly anyway.  That's what is so breathtaking about God's goodness - that even when we doubt and stumble and don't know where we are going, He still holds us and protects us and loves us. 

The 12 hours that I'm away from my family each week has made me appreciate them even more.  During that time our children have special time with Daddy all to themselves.  Daddy appreciates me a bit more after having them all to himself for a day, too.  :)  I've been able to make a difference in the lives of my patients for the 12 hours I spend caring for them.  I appreciate our extended family more after being reminded briefly each week that most families nowadays are broken, fracture, or at least strained and unhappy.  It's shattered my "tunnel vision" that has come as I've chosen to surround myself with uplifting, encouraging friends, books, etc., which are all wonderful and edifying, but in doing that, I chose to shut out the realities of a hurting, dying world that exists beyond my church and home. 

Although I'd NEVER encourage another SAHM to go back to work for any of those reasons, God has chosen to take this situation and teach me and bless us through it.  And these are the things I've learned.  It's still difficult and I still feel sick every time I have to leave and I still miss having my whole weekend to be with my entire family - I can't deny that.  It's not easy to jump into the medical world for that short period of time and still try to keep up with all the changes and information that I'm responsible to keep up with.

This past weekend, we received the news that Carter's grandfather in Arizona is failing fast and most of his sons and grandsons are planning a trip out to AZ to see him for what everyone believes will be the last time.  In the past, this wouldn't have ever been an option for us to consider.  But it was with such peace that I could agree with my husband that he needed to be there too.  And even more interestingly, I had agreed to work 2 days this weekend instead of one to help with staffing issues.  What I made in that extra day will almost cover the cost of his airline ticket. 

God continues to amaze us with His grace.

~Michelle

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01:54, Monday, March 10, 2008 .. Posted by gabbie427

Sorry to hear about the ailing grandfather. He will be in my prayers!!!

It can be hard going back to work after enjoying being a SAHM, but it sounds like you are learning alot from this experience!!!!! Good for you!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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04:47, Monday, March 10, 2008 .. Posted by abundantblessings

God is so good...all the time...even when we don't understand what He's doing in us.
I think your going back to work is a huge step for you...and knowing that God is blessing you because of it...what a testimony!
Imagine if you weren't working..and this need came up...I'm sure you would have found the money somewhere...but to know that you already had the extra money before you even knew you needed it. How awesome is that?!

Praying for Carter's Grandpa....and for his safety on this trip.

Isn't it amazing sometimes what God uses to teach us the lessons He wants us to learn?

Blessings,
Laurie

You made me laugh

07:59, Thursday, March 13, 2008 .. Posted by AprilinRI

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I've never even THOUGHT about dusting with my socks, but I'll tell you: every day I put on a pair of little white socks for about one hour in the morning while I make breakfast and get things straighten up. Are they dirty? Not really ... let's just say I'd be willing to put them on my hands. ;-)

I'm sending up a prayer for your husband's grandfather.

Blessings,
April

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08:07, Thursday, March 13, 2008 .. Posted by missourimom

I very much identify with your situation. When my first son was 5 months, I got a part time job working Thursday and Friday evenings, 3pm to 11 pm at a local Hampton Inn (I wish I had such a useful degree as nursing!!)

It was very hard, especially since he was still nursing, and I missed him dreadfully. I worked through it, though, and like you I see many blessings. We have more money to spare and save, which is always a good thing! The boys are in my mom's care from 3 to 6, which gives Grammy her own special time with them. Then when Daddy comes home, it's special Daddy time! I agree that it's wonderful for fathers to be able to do those necessary things, like meals and diapers and bedtime. If I'm home, I just naturally do all those things, which is fine, and my husband certainly helps me very much, and whenever I need him. But, I think it's nice for him to do the caregiving sometimes.

Anyway, I've rattled on long enough, but in closing i'll say that here at work is a wonderful place to share the love of Christ with lost coworkers.

Leslie

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10:23, Friday, March 21, 2008 .. Posted by Vickie

You know what you need to do. If that means working 1 day a week then so beit. I do not think you should feel guilty at all. --This comes from a SAHM for the past 12 years. If my family needed me to go back to work for a time then I would. I know I would miss them, but if it's getting your family out of debt, I think 1 day a week they will not fall apart. We sacrafice alot with me staying home (I did work until my oldest was 2) I know the demands of 2 different jobs (outside & inside the home) can be stressful.

One big sacrifice is not seeing most of my family. They live in PA & I'm here in LA. Having some extra money to be able to visit would be great. I think your husband being able to go see his grandfather is a wonderful thing.

God has a plan for all of us even though it may be hard for us to see sometimes. Just pray & trust that the Lord will guide you & your family the way it needs to go.

Hope you have a wonderful day.