Topsy-Turvy

It's amazing how quickly life can change.  In just an instant, given a phone call or an email or a news story. . . the world can turn upside-down.  

Over the past few weeks my husband and I have spent a lot of time in prayer and in discussion about his career.  It turns out that we are headed for a completely new direction.  He is leaving his current job to pursue a graduate school degree towards a career in something he is truly passionate about.  I am so excited for him and I want nothing less than for him to be serving in the right place in this world for the short time he is given here to make an impact.

I have known my husband since we were 15 years old.  Way back then I saw a spark in him when it comes to nerdy things like classical literature, dead languages, and history facts.  I heard him read classic dramas in English class with fervor that only a true history and literature buff could muster - even at the tender age of 16 (our class read Moliere aloud --he was Tartuffe, I was Elmire -- where it all began, I suppose :).

He is a gifted writer.  He crafted his skills writing me letters - not sappy love letters all the time -- just thoughts on life, family, God, and the world in general.  He was such a dreamer -- always idealistic, always optimistic, just the right mix of romance and masculinity.

He has been in a career over the past couple of years that just doesn't suit him.  His gifts having been laying dormant and his heart just isn't in his work.  He gave it the best try that he could out of a feeling of responsibility to provide for our family.  We have been convicted, though, that providing for our family comes in many different forms.  A monetary salary is only part of provision:  we also need a leader in our little family who is following his heart, who is praying earnestly about where God needs him.  

In figuring this out, we have faced much opposition from our families.  It's surprising to me to see the focus on money that has emerged in our discussions with family.  Maybe they are afraid that we will be leaning a little too hard on them during this transition.  Maybe it is because they do not understand that this decision has not come on as quickly as it seems.  Maybe they are simply fearful that we are making a mistake.  Whatever the reason, it is difficult to accept so much criticism and advice at a time when we are already on pins-and-needles.

I am excited for our family and the opportunities this transition affords.  I cannot wait to see which door will open next.  God is so faithful in his provision: just what we need, just when we need it.  The world unfortunately preaches a totally different tune, and I'm afraid that is the lens with which our naysayers are looking.

I am hopeful that as we continue to press forward, our heads raised high and our hands clasped tightly together, that our families will begin to see that we truly are a unit forging ahead together.  I am disappointed that they seem to have the opinion that he has jumped off a cliff, dragging us along after him.  I wish they saw the bigger picture and could offer encouragement and excitement to him instead of allowing their fears to cloud their judgement.

We are going to be so much fuller and richer together in this new endeavor.  Thanks be to God for the opportunity we have here and for His provision in the details!