Last week the kids started school and at the St. Ed's School Open House, the principal shared with us her concerns for needing (in a short time frame) a kindergarten teacher, an administrative assistant (to replace the one who was with us for nearly 20 years, and preschool teacher for a new program to start in the fall. Each time she would share her concern with Father Craig, he would say, "God will provide" and as the time grew closer to the start date of school, she naturally would go to him in concern and he would repeat, "God will provide". She learned a great deal of trust, and needless to say, God did provide without a moment to spare with the preschool teacher lining up on the day of the open house.
Her story of learning a new level of trust struck familiar feelings with me and our journey the past few months. My last post had us wondering what Jason was going to do for work and we too were in the "God will provide" boat of being able to do not much more than trust in His will in our lives. When school ended in June, we were still not sure what to do. We had a couple of options, but wasn't quite sure how things were going to turn out. Eventually it came down to 2 choices of: a job that he was hoping for with long workdays and weekends and less pay, or a job that he wasn't thrilled about with no nights or weekends and double the pay. If you know Jason and his work history, you will probably guess which way he leaned, and in the end, it worked out to his desire anyways, but not without a great deal of trust.
As the end of June approached, so did the end of his current contract and after a 2nd job interview, we were awaiting an answer. Of course, summer schedules at schools and colleges tend to slow down and people naturally go on vacations, so you have to wait until the right people are back to work before you can move forward. As we hit that last week of June, we thought, "what if this doesn't work out?", "what are we going to do for work after this week?" and the wheels were turning even faster as we worried about how we were going to make the finances work. Mind you that my paychecks were also going to stop at then end of the month until the new school year started, so we were looking at zero income and with only a month's worth left of savings. "Jesus, I trust in you" and the familiar, "God will provide" were the phrases that would come to mind and as stressful as it could have been, I honestly was the most trusting as I have ever been, because I knew there really was nothing I could do about it.
I am happy to say that a few days before his last day, he received word that he got the job as an Assistant Activities Director at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and is in charge of events & ticketing. He finished his old job on a Friday and started his new job that Monday. He is enjoying his new environment and is now in the first official week of a full campus and all that entails. He has had his share of challenges, but is facing them with determination and hard-work ethics. We are getting a taste of what his new schedule is, but know that he is where God wants him to be. Although last year was a tough one, we are thankful for the opportunities God gave us and can see His grace working through them.
Some days are mentally, physically and financially more straining than others, but I keep turning to those phrases that got us to where we are now and know that we may not have all that we want, but we have all that we need and that we just need to patient and hopeful that it will get easier down the road. If it doesn't, then we still know that God is with us and He will give us as much grace as we are open to to make it work. Thank you to our prayer warriors for keeping us lifted and for doing more for us than we deserve. I know I am not great at keeping in touch or making conversation, but know that in my heart and mind I am always grateful, always humbled and always thinking of those who give so much to us and deserve so much more than what I often offer. In my defense, here are 6 reasons of what I consume most of my days with...and I am totally fine with that!
First day of school
A.J. (11th), Faith (8th), Laney (10th) at Minneota school
Ian (5th), Bella (almost 3!), Noah (1st) at St. Edward School
I honestly didn't have much concern, but doctor appointments tend to increase your awareness and concerns that you aren't doing enough. I honestly don't get overly concerned when 2 year olds can't carry on a conversation in perfect english. I think her babble is adorable because with 5 older kids, I know that soon enough she will be talking back and telling me how uncool I am. So for now, I enjoy having one child that enjoys every moment with me (except when it's time to come inside) and the challenge of figuring out what in the heck she is talking about.
"I toot!"
