Seasons of Change

I’m not sure about you, but this time of year always has me anticipating change.

The season is preparing to move from vibrant summer to fading autumn.

The kids are returning to school for another year, getting older, getting wiser.

And my inner clock tells me that time is passing quickly. Life flies by at a rate we can’t control.

It hit me as I was driving the kids to school this week just how real that feels. It’s a tangible pang that hurts and stings. Seasons of change can be hard. But they can also be good, necessary even, for proper growth and maturing.

Recently, I’ve been thinking pretty seriously about re-entering the work force. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom for the last 4 years, and hitting that milestone for me (and while my kids were still young) was a huge blessing.

Photo cred (above): Elisabeth Loeser

I’d worked either full time or part time ever since I graduated college 15 years ago, and continued working through all 3 of my pregnancies, mainly because I had to. Our goal was to finally hit some financial milestones which would allow me to stay at home with our kids, something I longed to experience.

When my youngest was entering preschool, we finally hit our mark. And I was elated.

I truly needed a break from trying to do “all the things” and I seriously tip my hat to the moms out there that are still continuing to work full time all the while maintaining a household, running kids to where they need to be, getting a meal on the table every night and still get up and do it all over again the next day.

I’ve found that while this SAHM job is equal parts amazing and exhausting, I’ve never once regretted my decision to leave my career. While I do miss my work, interacting with colleagues, or a non-yoga pant inspired outfit…I still 100% feel I made the right choice – for that time in my life.

So, what happens when your kids start to get a little older? A little less dependent on you 24/7. A little more quiet around the house (until they all come plowing in through the door after school?)

I can feel the season of change upon me, and it feels…strange.

After so many years of being content with my surroundings, it’s a little intimidating to get the courage to put yourself out there again.

It’s a bit like grieving the loss of a chapter you know is closing. Yet, you’re excited for the anticipation of what is yet to come. And you have no idea what lies ahead.

I guess the point I’m trying to make is, this isn’t an easy process. I’ve been on a few hopeful interviews over the summer, only to be disappointed in an outcome that just wasn’t meant to be.

So, I’m continuing to pray that the right job is out there for me. One that will still allow me to enjoy as much family time as possible, without jeopardizing my world.

That will fill me up in a good way, without draining me physically or mentally.

No matter what happens, I will continue to blog here at Have a Little Faith.

I’m coming up on my four-year anniversary in October and it has been a wonderful avenue for me to express my creative side and connect with people who enjoy the same interests as myself. This tiny blip in the enormous blogosphere is truly what makes me happiest.

Thanks for reading today, Friends. I appreciate your listening ear more than you know.

Whatever season of change is upon you, I hope you will find the right path. Remember to pray, and spend some quiet time in reflection, where it’s easiest to hear God’s reassuring voice. #keepthefaith

*Photos from this post were taken by my incredibly talented husband, Brad Anderson, who really knows how to capture the beauty of nature, at a recent trip to Copper Falls State Park in Mellen, WI. All photo rights belong to Have a Little Faith Blog & require written permission to use.