I've been wearing my running shoes...

and have left my slippers in the closet lately!  One thing I have learned...if I don't start out my day with time set aside for the Lord...it doesn't happen.  I trip.  I stumble.  I go the wrong way.  I fall...and usually it is not a graceful slow fall.  It is an all out ugly face plant.
After being home for several years, my world has been turned upside down working full time.  Our whole family has pitched in to make the adjustment...because there is no way I could keep up otherwise...since I am that weaker vessel!  The Lord did allow me to work into the idea a year ago as I began substitute teaching.  I knew I could handle it...with help!  I will not lie...I liked the freedom of not formally working, but I had too much free time!  I did not want to be idle.  I did not want my family to suffer.  God gave me a job that works with our family schedule.  I am truly grateful to be able to help take some of the financial pressure off Ted's shoulders.  As our children continue to grow up, there are added expenses that come and will keep coming.  I am thankful for God's provision in all areas of life...and in the changes of life situations.  I still hold to the truth that the hardest place to maintain a Godly response to life is in the home!  I must remember:  1.)  I have an audience with God.  2.)  I have an audience with my family. 
I am living with that reality right now...not in my slippers, but with running shoes on for most of the day.  It is easy to put a happy face on to help others and then totally lose it at home because you are tired and because...well...you can...because you are home.  NO!  The people who are loving and supporting me (by helping me with projects at work and aiding me in the running of our home) deserve my love and respect no matter how tired I am!  I am thankful for the strength that God gives toward the things He has called me to do right now...and the list of things that haven't been on His list for me...have been easy to decline.  I can't do everything all the time, and He has given me the wisdom to ask Him and allow Him to lead in those decisions.  I want this life race He has given me to be run well and consistently.  These have been the thoughts I've been entertaining since March...and today...I've finally been able to stop and catch my breath before the next lap starts!  Onward and upward!