Great Day Every Day


I just spent the last week being in a heavy cloud of stress and big girl decisions. I submitted a few resumes, hoping for something part-time while looking at full-time and wondering how I would manage my etsy shop, Artful Rising, my family, and a new job.

I was joining the ranks of other working women and learning how to balance family, laundry, shopping, and job hunting.

And I failed miserably.

I wondered if any company would even call me for an interview, I forgot to show up for a girl's group, I put off ordering supplies for the shop, and I operated in a mode of get.out.of.my.way.I.am.making.big.girl.decisions.

There is nothing like being confronted to know you are acting like a fool. And a spoiled brat.

Max Lucado's Great Day Every Day: Navigating Life's Challenges with Promise and Purpose is a wonderful reminder that the little things that matter. It is a fast and easy read with a tremendous punch of encouragement. And just what I needed to remind myself that there is a bigger picture and to be grounded enough to listen to the directions of my path.

I was asked about an assistant director position at a school which was appealing. I would get to tell other people what to do:), manage curriculum, help parents and staff, put out fires of tantrums and mini crises.

But the hours of a part-time teacher was what I choose in the end. I still get to be present at my kids' school this fall and still participate in the women's functions at church. I still get to create products for my shop.

I get to breathe and look for great things in every day.

QUESTION: What is the great thing in your day?

12 comments:

Memories for Life said...

Congrats on the new job!!! The full-time position sounds appealing, but I'm glad you went with the part-time job! Less stress and more time for the important things life :)

Erika said...

Thank you! I just had someone email me saying that they expect me to apply for the other position but this will be right for me right now.

Anonymous said...

You know, every one is allowed to have a few grumpy days while making big decisions like this. Sometimes what you really want doesn't line up with what you need. I'm so glad you had the time to make the right decision for yourself & your life, and I hope you will enjoy your new position!

Splendid Little Stars said...

Having a life where you can breathe is important.
I hope you find this new job rewarding.
That book looks interesting. I will see if I can order it from the library.
I do believe it is the (seemingly) little things that make up a good portion of one's life. Therefore, they are more important than we might have thought them to be.

BeadedTail said...

Congratulations on your new job! I'm happy you'll be able to do something you enjoy while still having time to fill your soul with your shop.

Jenny said...

yay! congratulations! I hope everything works out well for you :)

Kathleen said...

Yay, Erika! Glad you have a job that will allow you to do the important things, too! Yeah, I had to hoist my big girl panties this week, too. *sigh* I didn't do so well, but I was able to go back a day later and pick up the pieces. Sometimes we just need to stop, breathe and then that big picture shows up loud and clear!

storybeader said...

a part-time job is a great idea, when you have family and friends to consider. Congrats! I'm happy to act as hostess at the museum, for this week's Chautauqua. I've finally written about it (for Saturday) on my blog. Been too busy otherwise to think of anything else! {:-D

Duni said...

Congrats on the new job! Part-time jobs aren't easy to come by and much coveted, so I'm really happy for you!
And fabulous new blog btw. Love the polka dots background :)
Molly being more trustful is a great start to my day!

SarahBeth said...

Part-time is a great way to balance your home life and still add to the family coffers. Good luck with your new job! Max Lucado has such wonderful insight -- I have a number of his books and enjoy them so much. I'll have to look for this one.

Sheryl Hastings said...

It is so hard to juggle it all, especially when you work outside the home. I think you made the right decision. I've often thought about quitting my job and going back to the fabric store working 20 hours a week. The only thing that stops me is that I love the 7-3 shift and weekends and holidays off like I get now. I am still pondering though. Decisions, decisions.....

EG CameraGirl said...

Sounds like you've made the perfect choice!