Hmm, so what should I talk about today? Do I talk about myself – the struggles, challenges, feelings, frustrations, joy, and relationships or about family, finances, friends and career? Do I talk about it all? (I can have it all, can’t I?)
Well, first things first. I am a single, beautiful, confident, hardworking highly favoured child of God who does not take His incredible love for me for granted in any way. If you want anything from me, you will have to line it up firmly with the Word (and therein lies my first challenge).
I have been told I can be very rigid and too straight-laced and that I should be able to cut people some slack (and here I was thinking I was doing just that!) Examples? Yes!! Policies are clear on what needs to be done, when, how and whom– pretty straightforward you might say, but no, the world’s standards expect that there should be shades of grey. “Why do we have to follow it exactly as it is stated, this case is an exception to the rule!”
But seriously, how many exceptions can a rule have such that it becomes the norm and the policy becomes paper only? I support folk by clarifying the expected and ensuring that they achieve within the confines of the policy and that earned me the straight-laced, ‘do-gooder’ name. By the way I work for a charity organisation as a Human resources specialist responsible for maintaining standards, supporting organisational processes et al.
Whilst acknowledging that I travel way too much for my own good, it should be on record that I have a number of challenges that affect me and my wonderful life, at work, play, church and at home. The greatest challenge, however, is multi-tasking all of the above and also trying not to feel too guilty about leaving the kids frequently whilst trying to balance love and discipline in the same scale. Yes, I have two adorable kids, a pre-teen who thinks she is already a teenager because she looks it (at 12!) and the teen who thinks he is all grown up (at 14!). I have my days, as far as they are concerned but they are also the most interesting part of me. Their escapades you will be hearing more about later.
I am struggling a bit with this article because it is way past the deadline and I am extremely tired because from the beginning of this year (aside from the second week when I took time off to REST and seek the face of my Father for 2011) I have been on the go. I just returned from Asia on Saturday late in the night. I tried to go for first service (customary) on Sunday but there were too many challenges with the kids and their friend who came for a sleep-over, so I had to go for second service. I made a big effort to please the kids with my wonderful culinary skills for lunch (whilst still being so tired and doing it mostly out of guilt for not being around).
After lunch, I had barely lain on my bed and alas it was time for house fellowship! I came back to start preparation for the week and my management retreat (which did not take place in the office by the way, but on the outskirts of town, WHY?!) only to discover that groceries were almost finished. Didn’t understand why because I had stocked the house before leaving for Asia just a week ago!
Anyway, not to worry, planned to grill and deal with culprits later so I worked on some deadlines for the management retreat and slept (eventually) well after midnight!
Reluctantly, I got up from my bed on Monday morning (way too early in my books), packed an overnight bag for the retreat, dashed to the ATM then went to the mall to stock up on groceries. I only barely made it to the office in time to jump into the vehicle taking management to the retreat. The meeting started in earnest and for two days there was so much talk; decisions to be made for the year and all that. I finally arrived home about an hour ago (phew!) all in a day’s work!
This evening is when I realised that I did not open my bible since Sunday night and that even the prayer I prayed was superfluous by my standards and I do need to repent right away. However, in all of it, He has been the mainstay of my month and more importantly in the last few days. He is always there with me every step of the way and He makes it all worthwhile.
He gives the Grace, protection, preservation and wisdom to juggle it all.
I will be telling you more about little ol’ me as we become friends – the good, the not so good and the downright ugly so that I can have a space to vent, share, learn and grow with you out there.
Last word: A woman can have it all if only she is able to depend solely on Him to support and guide her as appropriate.
SHALOM, Ladies!