I find myself a new hobby: ... baking!
I never thought that I'd bake. The most I've done in the kitchen is cook 'Mi Goreng' :p
I've been spoiled because V is a very good cook, and he loves cooking. Plus when my mother in law is in town, she cooks for all of us most of the time. If not, the supermarket frozen section has saved my life over the past few years.
Back in Dec 2010, I moved to a quieter store, and so work life balance goes back to normal and I am forever grateful to God for this. Now I leave work at work, and when I'm home, I can look after my 6 yo, bake, clean the house, read and write. I went back to a simple life as a worker, a mum, a wife, and a big sister to all of our youth at church.
Since 2005, I worked very hard trying to climb the career ladder. Without realising, work became everything to me. V often said I was married to my job. One day back in 2008, he asked me to quit and I boiled my eyes out like I had to loose a child! Imagine that. So in Oct 2009 I got there, I got what I've always wanted, and it took over everything. It took over my life, my time, my marriage, my personality, me, everything!
So I stepped down, but even after that the battle didnt stop. I couldnt understand how the whole thing had changed me, but it did. Still with a big drive to succeed at work, I marched on, doing what I needed to do. I guess I hadn't learnt my lesson then, I lost a baby in a miscarriage. Then it hit me that this is not what my life's all about. So I took a drastic step down, away from everything and everyone, I retreat to the smallest quietest store in the state. It was the best decision ever.
I'm still passionate about work and what I do, and my team will say the same, but I now learn to prioritise better and to live with a God-given purpose.
I took a paycut when I stepped down from the area manager job, a paycut potentially up to $40kpa. but it's definitely worth it. God's blessed us in many ways. Extra income just flows in from all over the place. I dont know how, but we're just never short. Like everyone else, we have mortgage and debts, but that doesnt worry me, because I know that in time, God will provide.
Hubby took a bigger step in ministry. He's now officially an Assistant Youth Pastor, so we officially work for the Lord. I just know that there's lots of 'perks' and benefits in being his servant and worker.
What looked like a long dark tunnel, has lead us to a beautiful paradise, and I'm forever grateful for His intervention in our lives. So when time's tough, hold on tight to God. I'm far away from perfect or holy, but God never stopped loving me, and I'm sure He wont stop loving you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version, ©2011)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;6 in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight
