Shirking responsiblity

I'm not one to shirk responsibility. If I say I'll do something, it's done. Even in the throws of mothering a newborn, an infant and a two-year-old, I fulfilled obligations. A couple were a tad late, but they were fulfilled none-the-less. But lately, I've been wanting to throw all of my outside obligations aside and start over. It's not that I don't enjoy them, it's that other things are more important and it is now crystal clear to me what I am called (yes, I used that word) to do.

Aside from bringing me an awesome amount of joy, my children and family are also my job, and I take that seriously. I want to be good at it, and I want to excel as I have in other responsibilities. I also want to be used, to be filled, to know the unsurpassed grace of fulfilling the mission that God has for me. But, I often feel that I've filled my life with "stuff" and there isn't enough time. I've really been thinking and reflecting on this, hence my lack of blogging.

When God built our family, he put us in a unique position. We have the privilege of sharing how reliance can lead to an even bigger plan than we knew existed. I learned the power of prayer and that God really does know the deepest places of my heart, sometimes even better than I do. This is a story I want to share, and I want to make the time.

My amazing friend, who happens to be in a high position in the multi-cultural center at a predominant university on our area, recently asked me to speak at a conference. She wants me to talk about the value of women like me, who choose to stay-at-home and be shepherds for their kids. I jumped, I'm excited, I know this is a step.

So, my challenge now is balancing it all, making sure I am putting myself in the right situations to minister, making sure I am actively seeking that role. It's not a New Year's resolution, it's a life goal and one that I'm dedicated to.

In the meantime, while I figure it all out, I've hired someone to clean the house. That's got to help, right? And that's one responsibility I'm more than happy to shirk!