“Why don’t you have a job, Mom?” my inquisitive 9-year-old girl asked recently.
She’s been asking all kinds of questions about my life before she can remember. She’s wondered about my college days, about my newspaper reporter job before she was born, and her babyhood. I knew the inquiry about my lack of a job was an information-gathering prompt and not an assessment on how I spent my time.
But the question still gave me pause and prompted me to think about purpose.
Honestly, I’m grateful not to have a normal job. If I went to an office or a newsroom like I used to, I would miss out on some things with my kids and wouldn’t have time to do other things I believe I’m called to do.
I manage three vacation rentals at nearby Kentucky Lake and volunteer with my kids’ school and local crisis pregnancy center. And, of course, I write here. Only some of that brings in part-time income, but all of it is part of my purpose in this season.
Each week, Kate Motaung hosts Five Minute Friday and last week’s prompt was PURPOSE. When I saw the prompt during the weekly Thursday night Twitter party, I had intentions of writing, but I couldn’t focus my thoughts. But then Cate’s question came. And in church a couple of days later someone read Romans 8:28 – one of my all-time favorites.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Purpose.
I may not have a full-time job.
But I have a full-time purpose.
I’m a wife, mom, friend, writer, property manager, volunteer, and adoption advocate. Greg’s business as an attorney has been blessed in ways that free me to not have a normal job. And that’s pretty much what I told Cate when she asked me why I didn’t have a job.
Jobs can be fleeting, but purpose, even while it can change with life’s seasons, is more lasting and intertwined with who God created us to be. I hope my girl recognizes that and strives to put her identity where it matters.
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I know it’s Wednesday, but I’m linking with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday crew anyway.
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