I have never been known for doing things the “normal” way.  But recently I quit my job—during a recession—with no plans to work.  Definitely not normal!  In fact, the representative at Anthem wished me well on my job search and was shocked when I told her I wasn’t looking.  I would have never imagined this either, but God had other plans.

The only way to describe how I’ve felt over the past 6 months is “restless.”  I knew there was something else out there for me, but I didn’t know what.  Like all working mothers, I felt guilty.  Guilty for missing T-ball games, guilty for missing bedtimes and guilty for day after day peeling kids out of my arms to leave for work.  On top of this was the feeling that I was robbing God.  When God called Bryon into the ministry, he called our whole family.  Like it or not, we have been set apart.  And I was trying to avoid it.

Changes at work made it a convenient time for me to reevaluate my priorities in life.  As I often do, I made a list of pros and cons (yes, I’m a geek).  I had to weigh options such as “How can I waste all that education I have?” with “If I’m at home I can be more involved with my kids’ education.”  Or “Will I ever work again?” with “I’ll have more time to support Bryon’s work.”  And “We won’t have money for a nice vacation.” with “I won’t miss another event in my children’s lives.”

I set my list aside and asked God in prayer for direction.  A few days later, I looked at my list again and it was crystal clear.  My con side was a list of worldly things—money, prestige, power and my pro side was a list of spiritual things—service, mission, mercy.  And then I understood what my next calling was.  Even though I was doing good work where I was, the work I was supposed to be doing  wasn’t there.  And our family was blessed with the ability for me to change directions.  God was telling me “You who are weary, come home.”

I haven’t figured it all out yet.  But I do know that my family is at peace.  And that I am ready for whatever else God has in store.