Why is it that I have a tendency to not appreciate where I am in life? I don't mean where I fit in socioeconomically or geographically. I'm talking about appreciating where God has placed me at any given time.
When I look back over the past decade, I'm grateful that I did take advantage of some of those years and chapters. In college, for example, when I didn't go live-up the "normal" college experience, I stayed home and worked, served in church, went to Bible studies, volunteered with a youth group, taught piano, babysat families regularly, and spent my free time with my boyfriend (who is now Dear Husband). I don't have those insane college memories of dorm life or Greek parties. And I don't have tons of college friends with whom I keep up and Facebook (see I don't need FB!). Instead, I have some close friendships that I developed during that period, some skills that I could have only obtained while working and serving during that period, and a spiritual life that grew exponentially during that time. Best of all, I have no regrets.
That said, I can't say that about every year of my life during the past decade. I have missed out on some huge opportunities where I should have asked God to use me. I have missed out on developing friendships because I've been too busy. And I just got too caught up with where I was going to realize that God had opportunities for me right then and there. I feel like it's taken me so long to realize that I don't have to make some earth-shattering alterations to my life in order to serve others and share Jesus with them. Practically speaking, I'm not really in a position where I can make earth-shattering changes anyway. I'm a housewife who works from home and a Mom who has dedicated the next decade of my life to homeschooling. I keep reminding myself that just like in college, I need to take advantage of "these years" of my life.
As a mom it can be hard to live in the here and now. Don't get me wrong, we live in the here and now by all the things we do. But we forget that in the context of the diapers and the cleaning, there are opportunities to be useful. I may not get to be a part of the ladies Bible studies at church (childcare would be helpful people!), but I'm starting to see the things that I can do. Things like make my home available for a small group meeting. Why not me? I'm home and actually have the time to make my house presentable. Or I can use the phone to call people at church who haven't been visible for a few weeks. Using the phone is easy for someone who is already at home. (Assuming that people on the other end don't mind hearing train sounds and X-box games in the background.) Or I can drag my kids to music practice like everybody else does and be a part of the praise and worship at church each Sunday. There are opportunities there. I just have to make myself willing and aware.
I've been really impressed by a young couple at church who are taking full advantage of their current life situation in order to do something useful for God. This recently-graduated-from-college and not-yet-engaged couple left last week to spend 3 months in Africa. It's the kind of thing that is hard to do once you're married and have to fully support yourself. And it's the almost impossible thing to do once you have kids. But it's the perfect opportunity to go love on people when you're not so tied down to life. I've been enjoying reading their stories from Kenya every morning. Reading about their excitement and joy has been a huge encouragement and kick in the pants for me. Ricky and Katie are truly taking advantage of this time in their lives. I'm so happy for them and look forward to seeing what God has in store for their next few months. To follow their story, click on this link http://ayearofsummer.com/ or follow them via the A Year of Summer from my blog list on the right of my blog.
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