Week Off.

How time flies - seems to be a common phrase on my blog. But this time, it's in relation to my job. One year ago yesterday, I made the phone call that has changed my life. Don't get me wrong, my kids are obviously more impactful than that phone call, but I digress...

As any of you who read my blog know, I had spent the three months prior to May 17, 2008 trying everything I could to get a teaching job - to no avail. One year ago, I went out on a limb and a prayer, picked up the telephone and called one Dale Wolf at Atonement Lutheran Church. I told him I was a former teacher with a heart for Christ and kids and that I'd seen an advertisement on Atonement's website that expired 1 month prior (thank God they didn't keep the site updated then!) Jeff and I were on our way to Mpls for a conference (him) and a seminary tour (me). I spent the 30 minutes between Alexandria and Sauk Centre talking to Dale. At the end of the call, he asked me to fax or email my resume. One week later, I was in his office talking about the job, my faith, etc. The following Sunday (Memorial Day '08) I attended church and he offered me the postion.

Wow.

This job. It is exhausting. It's tiring. It takes me away from my kids a few nights a week. It requires weeks that run in the 70 hour range sometimes. But - it is exactly what I've spent the past 4 years trying to do.

People always ask me if I'll ever go back to teaching. The answer is a resounding no. I hope to be at Atonement for a long, long time. Teaching is a great and honorable job. I know that. But, at Atonement, I am blessed to take teaching to a different level. I get to impact kids. I get to mentor them. I get to form relationships with them. I can give them a hug, tell them a funny story, and take them out to coffee, pizza, or ice cream. I get to tell them Jesus loves them, and pray with them and for them. I get to work with amazing people, who make me laugh every single day. And, I work at a place where family truly comes first - giving me the flexibility to do what I need to and want to with my kids. I am SO blessed...

The tradeoffs - there have been a few. There have been hard times, and times where I thought "arghhh!" I have missed bedtimes. I've been gone for extended periods of time. But not once have I thought I need to find a different job. Not once have I thought I don't like it. I spend every moment thinking about what we can do better and different for our kids.

So, after nearly 1 year at Atonement, I am taking a week off. To recuperate, re energize and reflect on the past year. To hang out at home, get some rest and thank God for the blessings he has bestowed upon me. But, more than anything - I am reflecting on that verse from 1 Corinthians....

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has in store for those who love him.

I would never have seen myself here. I am so glad GOD is in control...