seizing the opportunity

I never thought I say it but, this mamma's goin' to work. Before you all tar and feather me for abandoning the SAHM ranks, let me share.

The only 'real' job I've ever had was working in our church office off and on for the 8 years My Beloved was associate pastor at our last church. The kids went to work with us and between the two of us someone actually got some work done while the other corralled the kiddos. Fun times... cough, cough, choke. So my only 'real' job was busy but not separation from my kids.

Times have changed and the older girls now go to public school - grades 1 and 4. My 'baby' turned 4 this summer and is now in preschool 3 mornings a week. These are decisions we made because we are bound to walk in obedience to our God-King, not because I was ready to ditch my kids 7 hours a day. God's Kingdom is further advancing because of the kids being in public school...really. The growth and character we've seen formed in the girls the last year has been amazing. Like the young Jesus, they are growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Very cool.

So now, needless to say, we are in a very different season of life. And, shoot me, I've grown quite bored. I clean, I cook, I mother my babies, I smother my husband {with love}, I read, I pray and....then what? I do a puzzle. :o) (inside joke) We want to live a BIG life, like a VERY BIG God-life. One verse the burns in my heart continually is Colossians 4:3 "Behave yourselves wisely in your relations with those of the outside world, making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity."

So an opportunity to behave wisely and make the most of the time has arisen and I'm going to seize it. I'll work at our local cafe just 3 hours - 3 days a week. It's right over the lunch hour - so the big girls will be in school and My Beloved will keep little Bird during those hours. I have Monday off which was a blessing because that's My Beloved's day off. We will have 3 childless hours that day - woohoo! You do know that as a wife, your first obligation is to your husband (not your kids) don't you? :o)

Another verse (really I'm not preaching here) I cling to is Proverbs 31:16 (Amplified is best) "She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]..." So, I've considered and will expand prudently so I don't neglect my present {more important} duties. My Beloved is totally pumped about the job - he hates to see me depressed - though, I think he really is just thinking there may be free food involved in this deal and that he may get to benefit from tips. :o)

So after 1 hour of training on Tuesday - today is my first day. Did I mention I've never waitressed before? I have visions of sweet tea in some poor old lady's lap. God help all the folks that innocently decide to have lunch at B.C. Village Square today! But may the tips be generous anyways!