Do hard things

In 1996, Todd and I packed up our then 15 month old daughter and moved to Florida.  It was not a decision we took lightly.  We left our families and an amazing church.  But as we prayed, we really felt that this was where God wanted us to go. The impetus for us to move here was so that I could go back to school..  Todd willingly switched jobs and relocated to sunny Florida.  We settled in and I started school at Florida State University.

We thought we would be here just a few years.  Just long enough to get my degree.  It took me longer than I expected.  Much longer.  It was harder than I expected.  Much harder.

But, I did it.  I graduated in 2002.  During my experience in school, God taught me many things.  I learned to trust Him more. My faith deepened.  My prayer life grew richer.

After graduation, I continued my work at the hospital.  Although I used the education I received, I didn't really work in a job that required my specific educational background.  Not that this was a problem to me.  I loved my job.  I loved my co-workers.

Still, in 2011, I walked away to homeschool our two youngest daughters.  It has been wonderful.  I love it!  Not every moment of every day maybe (just being real!), but I truly enjoy this role and am so thankful that I have the opportunity to stay home and teach my girls.

Ever since I graduated, I have wondered why I went to school.  We invested a lot of time, effort and money to get me through school.  Initially I worked in a job that didn't really require my degree (but was in my field) and now I am homeschool. Why, then, did I need to go to school?  Many would argue that I am not using my education.

But, I believe that my education is not just the book-learning I did. I know there was more although I don't fully know the answer even now.  And I know that I may never completely understand.  However, I also believe that God is big enough that there is probably not just one reason that I went to school, but many reasons.  For example, my journey has brought me into contact with a unique circle of friends that I know God expects me to bless.

God has recently revealed to me another reason.  He taught me that I can accomplish hard things with His help.  School was hard.  But with His help, I finished.  Adoption is hard (at times).  But with His help, I can parent all these beautiful children that God has given me.

On our journeys, all of our decisions impact other decisions.  Maybe I needed to go to school so I could learn that I can choose to do hard things and with God's help answer the challenge.  I am confident that the time deepening my walk and strengthening my prayer time has been essential to my walk--I wouldn't be where I am today without it.  I am thankful for the journey God has given me...hard times and all.

 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9