2 Weeks at Home…
I had a two-week break from my job during the Christmas holidays… and it was such a sweet reminder of the days when I was home full-time with my children.
There is always so much to do. As usual, I thought I would be able to get the entire house organized, clean, and ready for Christmas.
But one thing after another came up—as it often does with a family of this size.
The two weeks went flying by, but I did manage a nap on a couple of days, and honestly… that alone felt like a gift.
During those weeks, we lingered longer and read “just a few more pages” in our read-alouds.
And in the end, I had children tearful over the days and how quickly they had passed.
It feels like an eternity since I’ve had that kind of time in my home. I’ve missed it so much.
I’ve always been busy, but I truly adore being in this house with my people—working on projects for those I love dearly. I love afternoon naps curled up with a little person, and time spent standing in the sun making small changes in my yard and garden.
And maybe you know exactly what I mean.
Maybe you love your home too… but you’ve felt pulled away by responsibility, work, or life circumstances you didn’t choose. Maybe you’ve missed your days being at home more than you can even put into words.
Because that’s where I’ve been.
I see reminders of what my life was before I started working last summer—daffodils peeking through the soil, and the arches lit up at night in my garden that I can see from my bedroom window.
I miss them so much.
It feels like I’m grieving a life I used to have.
This Season Is Growing Something In Me
I’m realizing the Lord is using this season to grow my faith in Him, my perseverance, and my steadfastness.
I think I was surprised by how uncomfortable I felt being in the workplace (even at my church), how much I missed home, and how clearly I see that what I do in my home is true and good work.
And I know many women carry work both inside and outside the home—this is simply the work God assigned to me, and I’ve missed it deeply.
I enjoyed cooking for my family while I was home. I have been in such a rush during my days of working outside of my home.
More often than not, the children are starting dinner and we are just getting bellies fed—instead of the kind of time I’m used to investing in the meals we love to serve.
I’m also missing my older children stopping by on their way to and from their own homes.
I know it’s just a season… but I’m looking forward to the shift back, whenever the Lord allows.
A Season I Didn’t Choose
Going back to work was not what I had wanted or searched for… but I know the Lord had a plan, even in this.
For me, it’s been stressful—and mostly sad.
I found myself dragging to work for days. It’s been a constant effort to not complain and to continue to move forward. (Even if I didn’t voice it… I thought it most of the time. I did.)
I’ve been frustrated with the things I knew needed to be done in my own kitchen and home, but not having the time to make that happen.
And yet… I do know I’m doing these things for a reason.
The extra income has been a definite benefit while my husband has been out of work. More than that, the relationships I have developed with my co-workers, employees, and the families I serve is something I will never be able to measure.
The Word God Gave Me for 2026
But these two weeks…
My children were happier and stayed right by my side while I was home. I could tell it was a relief and comforting to them.
Paul also seemed lighter.
We enjoyed a little more time together than we have had in a while, and all of it has been really nice.
A few months back, I started praying over 2026. And I believe the Lord has led me to my theme word for this year:
STEADFAST.
I want to learn to stand strong and trust the Lord through every season of my life.
Between a job loss and a job I was never intending to have (that is a story for another time), this has been a season of needing to be steadfast.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”
Isaiah 26:3
