Obedience

Have you ever REALLY wanted to do something but couldn't?  That's what this little story I am about to relate to you is - something I REALLY WANTED to do, but God, the guiding force in my life, said NO.  Over and over and over He said NO.  I fought this battle for a year.  You see, back in 2005 I became a "Veterinary Assistant" (my employers always referred to me as a technician but this is not legal and offends those who are registered =) ).  Anyway, ;-), I worked for a man who was smart but practiced medicine from the dark ages.  He sold this practice to his young apprentice - a woman - who was very hard to work for.  She was not just tough, which I am OK with, she was demeaning - this I am NOT OK with.  After around 2 years in this practice working primarily with a very intelligent male doctor who taught me everything I know, with a few exceptions, I went to work at a speciality animal hospital.  I LOVED MY JOB!  The medicine, the flow, the creatures, the people, and the doctors - it was all wonderful - for about 2 years.  Then, I realized I was way too dedicated to my job and not dedicated enough to my family.  I tried to balance it all.  At one point I was working 3rd shift 4 days a week and part-time else where.  I had a "Superwoman" complex.

I knew something had to give but I DID NOT WANT it to be my job.  I fought this for around a year.  The type of medicine I was helping to practice, that I had busted my backside to learn, and that I became exceptionally good at,  (per the doctors I worked for) required total dedication to the profession.  When you are a Christian mother and wife of 6 little blessings you can expect to be torn.  My family suffered.  I suffered.  I, in particular, suffered from burn out and love of money.  I mean come on, the money was great and God was telling me to walk away from it.  Are you serious Lord?  Do you know what I have been through to get to where I am?  This just isn't right.  So I fought, and fought, and fought.  I was miserable.  I regretted not being there for my family.

The day came.  I gave my notice and left the practice.  It has been one year and one month since I have worked outside of my home.  I still miss practicing medicine with the docs but I do not regret being obedient to the Lord's call.  We went from 2 incomes to one.  The bills piled up.  The bill collectors called.  It was frustrating.  This was a time of learning for us all.  Learning to depend solely on God for EVERYTHING we need.  Guess what?  He always supplies in HIS time, right on time.  If you are a mother struggling with wanting to stay at home with your children, please don't sacrifice their childhood for your material gain.  It will not be easy but let me give you an example of how God works.

I have a car, thus I have - ahem, HAD - a car payment.  I was behind, not quite 30 days, but getting there.  The bank said and I quote "You should NOT be having children.  YOU need to figure out a way to make the payment.  You NEED to figure it out and get caught up.  We cannot work with you on this."  I just said 'OK', I'll see what I can do.  So then I prayed to my loving Father.  HE sent someone my way who said "How much do you owe on your car?"  What?  ARE YOU KIDDING?  I told them and they wrote me a check for $6000.00!!!!!!!!!!!  Can you believe that?  They said God wanted them to help us so they did.  You  must also know that the amount given us was right at $400.00 over what we needed for the payoff.

The point of my long story is this.  God told me to quit my job, be a mom, a wife, and a friend dedicated ONLY to Him and Them.  It was hard but I did it.  People don't agree with it, I DON'T CARE.  I have learned it is better to Trust and Obey than to go your own way. Had I learned this sooner I would have saved myself from lots and lots of heartache.  When you obey what is right good things are sure to follow.

Word of the Day:

Obedient = Dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority.