So I've Got My Limitations

A few days ago I worked. All day. I usually do work all day. As a mom-wife-chef-cook-cleaner-chauffeur etc. Just like most of you. But on this particular day I worked at a new job, outside of my home.

It's a new thing for me - a new season. About once a week I go in to an office and do my thing for about 4 hours. The rest of the work I squeeze into different spaces in my day and lots of hours on the weekend. And I'm good with that. It's different, it's challenging. I like it.

On this particular day I went in earlier than usual. My plan was still to be there for 4 hours and then head home. But. I ended up being there for 7 hours. And I was stretched. And stressed. And I came home to children and a hubby that were stretched and stressed as well. I wasn't feeling too great about being gone all day and the fact that my family hadn't had the best day wasn't helping things much.

I found myself on the phone with a dear friend within minutes of walking in the door. She listened as I poured out my heart-felt emotions about the day. She encouraged. I received.

At the end of the evening, before bed a few things hit me. Things I needed reminded of and even things I didn't realize about myself.

• I am so thankful. No, SO THANKFUL that I don't have to be a full-time working mom. So thankful for a husband who does what it takes to make that happen for our family. So thankful for the small ways I can sometimes contribute to our family income.

• My hat's off and my heart's with any mom that does work full-time. I know some ladies really thrive on their outside the home work but if their hearts feel anything like mine did after just one silly work day - I know how hard it is to do what they do.

• I'm not going to be going back to a full-time job anytime soon. I'm thankful I know this about myself because I've thought about before. Thought it might not be so bad...and the extra money...adult conversation...free Starbucks coffee...health insurance... oh the many perks!

So now I know where my limits are. And where my heart's desire truly is. And there are two small people who get to have me as a full-time mom for a lot more years. And that's just fine with me.