A New Chapter

She stepped somewhat hesitatingly at first down the concrete sidewalk, glancing back at the brick building where she had spent 40 hours a week for the last 6 years. Without her laptop bag on her shoulder, she had the unsettling feeling that she was missing something. Handing over her company badge and keys had felt so odd, like being kicked out of the clubhouse. It didn’t matter that leaving was her own idea and that her co-workers pleaded with her not to go.

But after those first few faltering steps down the walkway, she gained a new focus, a new purpose and walked resolutely to the minivan that had transported her to this place every day. Excitement bubbled up inside her as she traversed the miles separating her former “career” with her new one. Upon arrival, she opened the door and announced, “I’m home – for good!”

This is my story. Today I find myself beginning a new chapter in my life’s story as a wife and mother whose focus is fully on her home.

You know those yearly school record books that your mother might have kept about you when you were growing up? “This year Sarah is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. Her favorite color is blue, her best friend is Katie, and when she grows up she wants to be a ______.” Whenever my mother asked me to fill in the blank on that last question, I recall writing one of two answers consistently each year. Teacher and Mother. Those were the two roles I wanted to play when I grew up. I had a great mom and several amazing teachers, which made me want to follow in their footsteps. Though I’ve already been both teacher and mother, now I get to jump in with both feet!

Don’t worry, I am not persuaded that all will be a bed of roses now that my husband and I have chosen for me to focus my energies on our family, our home, our ministry. In fact, I know that my days will likely become even more difficult, with more competing pressures and many new challenges to face. But the amazing thing about listening to the Spirit of God when He guides you, is knowing that the best, most rewarding, most thrilling place to be is walking in obedience to God and depending on Him. He is writing my story and He is writing yours. How humbling that he chooses to walk along side us and give purpose and adventure to our stories, as we put His kingdom first!

I long for the story that I am woven into to point to the Savior, and the character development in this character to be unmistakable. So bring on the new chapter!