I'll call this post Proverbs 16:9

I want to let you know about a big step that Reid and I are taking over the next month. We feel encouraged by the Lord's provision in working everything out to be able to do this, but would love your support, too.

My mom fell last week, and after an xray at the nursing home she was admitted to the hospital Wednesday afternoon at the recommendation of her doctor. She had xrays and a CT scan of her head and hip. Right now the only problem seems to be a hairline fracture in her hip. They did a CT to see how deep the fracture goes into the bone. Thankfully, it does not look like she will need surgery. She was released that night to go back to Pres Village.

For the next week she will be confined to a wheelchair and they will reevaluate to see if further treatment is necessary. She is hating her wheelchair already. Lovely.

That said, I have been thinking since Christmas about wanting to be able to spend time with my mom while I still can, help my family in Little Rock, etc. The hold up has always been that my husband is a VERY practical person and quitting my job to travel back and forth between Dallas and LR just didn't seem like something he would go for. "Our plans" before having children had always involved me working - even if it was just to save money before starting a family. I say "our plans" because, "A man may plot out his course, but it is the Lord who directs his steps," Proverbs 16:9.

I met with my counselor, Cynthia, last week and was able to share my burdened heart. Basically, I know that someday I will regret the fact that I took care of someone else's family (Luke and Emme) when I could have taken care of my own. She helped me put everything in perspective and realize that, while this is happening to me at a totally different season of life than most people, taking care of our parents when they get old and sick is what we as children are called to do. This is my season to serve my Mom and family.

I went home that night and told Reid everything that I felt. Without skipping a beat he agreed it seemed like the best thing for our family and was immediately excited at the possibility! We both feel like this is the first time that a decision seems to be so clear - and at our house we don't usually make decisions easily!!! 

Thankfully, Reid's job allows such flexibility with traveling back and forth while he is away during the week. I have no idea what my travel schedule will look like - I might spend 2 weeks a month in Dallas and 2 in LR, I might commute every week, or maybe every other week. We are confidant those details will work themselves out as we get closer. One thing we know for certain is that when Reid is in Dallas I will be there, too. And, I will also be able to join him during the week, at times, wherever he is working!

We talked to the Liljas Thursday and told them we were strongly considering taking this step. Reid and I, though 99.9% sure this is the right thing, didn't want to make a rash decision before spending the weekend in LR talking to our parents. I let the Liljas know this morning that August 7 will be my last day of work. I am hoping that in a little over a month we can get everything figured out for the kids and transitioned. 

 

We have been blessed beyond measure to be able to pursue this opportunity. I really can't express the excitement I feel about being able to go to Little Rock to spend time with my mom each week! I know it will be hard emotionally, but it will be a sweet time to serve and love as I've been called.