Friday, May 04, 2007

A lot has been going on with the Eason family...a lot that we haven't been talking about. Nothing major, just some decisions that need to made over the next few months that we've been praying about.

As you all know, Chad started our family company in December. His goal has been to teach on the side for one semester...just long enough to get the business self-supporting and than quit teaching and run the business full-time. When we found out that K.I. has made him a dealer rep., we both knew he would most likely not be able to teach next year due to the amount of time he would need to put in to working those products. We were both fine with this, except for the leap of faith it would require to not have another source of income. :) Well, after several months of pondering this, praying about this, ect...we have been feeling like it might be best (most responsible and most effective for the success of Chad's business) for me to go back to work to teach for 1 year. OOOHHHH - Can I tell you how fast my heart beats just typing that sentence out?!?!?! I have prayed and prayed for guidance...so has Chad. We both decided that we should really narrow my options as far as teaching positions go...feeling like if we did this, it would make it a little clearer what God's will was. SO - let me just explain what we've done.

We decided that since I'm qualified to teach Family Consumer Science/Child Development, that I would only apply for those two positions. As some of you may know, these positions can be very hard to come by. We also decided that I would only apply for a position if it meant that I could be head of the daycare program at that school and that I would only do this if BOTH of my children could be in that daycare. (The daycare consists of all the teachers children. Part of my job description would involve teaching highschool students how to properly care for these children in one of my classes and by the time they graduated, the highschool students would be certified to work in a professional daycare setting.)

Can you tell where I'm going with this?! Yup...you guessed it...this morning, Chad emailed me saying that a Family and Consumer Science position came open at Fleming Island High (this is the school that Chad teaches at). The position includes being in charge of the daycare. Omiword...my heart is currently in my stomach. Chad said he's going to speak with the principal today to let him know that I am interested...all of my paper work is in at the state and county offices,...this means all I have to do is interview. Oh.my.word. SOOOO many emotions right now...many very sad.

In the grand scheme of things, this is so insignificant. There are so many people out there who I'm sure wish their problems were as simple as this. I don't mean to make this sound like it's the end of the world or that it's earth shattering,...I know it isn't. But I do know that if I get this job (or a job similar to this), it will drastically change the way we live our lives for the next year...I don't handle change well (and we have had a LOT of change over the past 3 years!),..out of all the change we've experienced though, I never thought that one of those changes would involve me no longer being a stay-at-home mom. Please say a prayer for me right now - pray that I will have faith that God's will will be done. Pray that I will have the strength and the peace to accept whatever happens. Pray that Chad and my discernment will be strong so that we can know what decision we're being led to make. The thought has occured to me while I'm typing this that I may not even get an interview - wow - that would be a very easy answer to this, wouldn't it?! Thank you all for taking the time to read this forever long and somewhat confusing post - I'll keep you updated.

12 comments:

Marie said...

That is one of the hardest decisions to make. I am in the process of getting my Tn license in hope of getting a job in the fall. Like you I am sad at the prospect of not staying at home with my children, yet I know that something positive will come out of it. You will be in my prayers- that you will receive a clear answer and God will lead you to the best job for you and your children.

Unknown said...

Lindsey, I know that you are putting your faith in God in this matter, and God will give you your answers, then you will be at peace with everything. I'm glad that your business is taking off, that must be a sense of relief for you and Chad. I know all to well how guilty one may feel about your own problems and worries compared to our friends problems and worries. You shouldn't feel guilty, because it's all in God's hands. And all we can do is pray, and let God take care of us.
Candace

tleaf10 said...

Hey Lindsey ... Congrats on joining the working women of the world! (maybe) - Even though you wouldn't be staying at home with the kiddos, you'll be with them and you'll have every craft supply/play-doh/kiddie scissors at your disposal! You can be sad about whatever happens but you can be happy too ... both emotions are good for you, love - Terri

Jenny said...

Lindsey, I know how scary it is to think of something like this--but I also know that you and Chad have trusted your future to God, and He won't put you anywhere but where He wants you, and He'll take care of you once you're there! I'm praying for all of you!
Love,
Jenny

Lindsey Eason said...

Thank you all for the encouraging words! Chad received news that they've already got someone in mind for the position...if that's the case, than that gives us an answer at least for that position. I know there are so many women who play the role of wife, mom and career woman...I guess I just don't know if I can do that and do it well- I think that's where the fear comes in. I'm just amazed though at how many women can do all those roles well so if I do wind up getting a job next fall, I will definitely be needing lots of advice from all you working moms!

kristy said...

Linds, I bet you are full of all kinds of emotions right now! I will say a special prayer for you and Chad, that you will allow God to lead you on His path and that you will be open to His guidance. Please keep us posted on how the job interviews go.

Kimberly said...

I am definetely praying for you. I understand how hard it is to take that leap of faith but when God opens doors and practically pushes you through them you gotta expect its for the best! But it sounds like the most ideal situation if you do have to work. I know that if you interview you will have that job in the bag so be ready! Keep us posted and we'll be pray'n for you. You are super mom so I have no doubt that whatever you do you will do it the best!

Kyla said...

Lindsey,
I am Ty Gentry's wife. I know that you are worried about going back to work. I totally understand that fear and frustration. Ty and I are expecting our first child in about 16 weeks. We have no choice but for me to continue teaching after he arrives. This breaks my heart. Hopefully, you will find that job that will have your kids in the daycare with you. That would be a wonderful blessing.

Kyla

Kate said...

Here's an answer you probably weren't expecting: I'm so jealous!!! I love my kids and I love being able to be with them during the day, but there are many, many days when I would kill to get out of the house and do something else. Granted, you would still be doing a lot of the same things with your kids in a daycare setting, but at least you could have some adult conversation with the other teachers!! Just like everyone else said, you and Chad have to do what's best for your family. Don't worry what anyone else thinks! I'll pray for Chad as he leads you guys and I'll pray that you will continue to glorify the Lord for what He provides. Grace to you!!!

lauren said...

It sounds like God is written all over this, and I think they would be lucky to have you! I will be praying for you! Update us as SOON as you hear something!! Just be yourself in the interview, and they won't be able to help but love you!

mbl said...

I just left a message on your xanga account..fyi: I'm a Family and Consumer Science major too...qualilfied to teach 7-12th grade. What a small world. Marla

holly said...

How exciting! I just had an extremely God-led job change and, while there weren't kids in the picture, it was a HUGE difference in terms of changing our finances and my job responsibilities, but also a big opportunity to improve. You will absolutely rise to the challenge, and whether it means going back to the classroom or figuring out creative ways for Chad to make the leap, I know you can do it!

One last sad/funny thing--the FCS daycare at my high school was filled with students' children. Classy.