Survived, Thrived and Purpose

Happy Valentine's Day....

Now to my real post.

First week at work. Don't I look exhausted? Happy to be with my family.

Recently, I returned to work as you know from a previous post. Like most things, I imagined it to be much harder than it actually was. I am utterly exhausted but the good kind where you know this won't last forever but you know you have put in a lot of effort. I have put in my notice which is one of the most bittersweet things I have ever done.

Working at my job has been a blessing. A blessing that has allowed me to enter into other's suffering, other's pain, other's poverty and try to provide peace. There are times this means sitting and listening and other times it means taking action. I often get the statement, "I don't see how you do your job." That is why I am so thankful for the other women (yes it is all women) in my department.

These women give something of themselves so that others can have dignity, hope, and support. When I returned, I noticed so many of them seemed to be carrying burdens. They seemed weary. I feel that the Lord has allowed me to re-enter my job for a short time to listen and hopefully encourage.

I recently emailed a few of them these words that are true to me:

"I am so thankful to be around women that have similar passions and even similar burdens. This job is hard and at times too much yet we have a purpose. I have so many friends that do not understand why I do social work. You all understand!

I never question if I will miss you all. It makes me want to cry thinking about not having the day to day interaction with all of you. There are times that I think I will not miss this actual place but I know that I am wrong. There is something about giving of yourself to someone in need. There is something about comforting a crying mother, advocating for a child that has been harmed, and constantly re-educating our teams on how to think about families. It is exhausting but worth it.

I might step on some toes saying this but I have been praying this for each of you: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)"

I am so thankful for my job. I am so thankful to have returned to remember that being a mother does not mean the passions in me have died. Rather how I pursue these things might look different for a while.

**Warning, quick change in subject**

I realize that most of you read my posts in order to see Little One so here is a bit of that joy!

Little One in her chair from family. She loves it!

Little One did great with GiGi, Honey, YaY, Aunt K and our nanny (each took one day this past week). I continue to be overwhelmed with the support of my family.

She is changing so quickly: sucking her thumb on her own, making motorboat noises, and playing with her toys. She is not tall enough for her exersaucer so we put carpet underneath so she could stand. She loves it!

Little One in her exersaucer with carpet blocks underneath so she can be tall enough to enjoy her toys.