Ouch. Praying all has gone well today, Michele!

Thanks, Bettie. I think it’s often particularly hard for those who have physical illnesses; it really complicates life’s choices. I admire how you keep your strong faith in the midst of your trials. It can’t be easy. I appreciate the grace you show to those of us who often blunder in our understanding of the pain you must experience.

Ooh, I love how you describe it, Debbie: “Perhaps job titles are modern fig leaves.” That really puts it into perspective!

Yes, Laurie. At first I would say that I was a retired homeschool teacher. 🙂 But “I do a little this and a little that” is where I’ve landed too.

I remember back to the days when I worked as an accountant; it never really felt like my identity. Perhaps if I’d really loved my job, it would have made a difference back then. But thankfully I loved staying at home once we had kids and I’m grateful that I had that opportunity to stay home. I realize that some would do it if they could, but they don’t have the choice.

I think our situation is probably far more common than we realize. I know many parents who struggle when their kids head off to college, but I think it is a double hit to our identity when we’ve been homeschooling them as well. Yes, our identity never really rested in that anyway though; it rests in Christ. I’m thankful for the assurance that being his children is at the core of who we are. Thanks, Donna!

We used to have a Sesame Street book we read to our girls when they were young that being different is okay. I think it’s a message we need to hear repeated our whole lives, no matter our age! Too often we tag “different” as wrong or dangerous, but sometimes different is right and healthy!

I know what you’re saying about having to bite your tongue when you see your kids making different choices. 🙂 We’ve had to do that a few times too. Now it makes me wonder how often my own parents did that with me! I’m sure I was unaware of it at the time, but I appreciate the effort they must have made to let me carve my own path. Now it’s my turn to do the same for my kids.

I look forward to more of what you’ll share in your posts ahead!

I’m glad you’ve found contentment where you are also, Joanne. Knowing that you are still influencing little lives must also add to that contentment. I wish I lived closer to my granddaughters but I am grateful that I am free to drive back and forth to visit them often.