When I Grow Up

You know how it is when you're a kid, you can think of 50 things you want to be and do with your life... and they all seem so plausible? I don't feel so far removed from those days, but I do find myself suddenly aware of restrictions I have never noticed before. For the first time in my life I realize that I cannot be anything I want. Huh. After hearing that from so long it is difficult to make the transition. Now, I do understand that there is an awful lot of possibility for what may be, but I know that "anything" is off the table. Right on the heels of this epiphany came another: It's okay. Even if I never achieve my childhood dreams of being a ballerina or a veterinarian or a horseback-rider I'll be alright. At this point the thought of any more homework turns my blood cold, so I'm actually quite happy vet school isn't in my future. I understand that I only want to do one thing anyway - stay in the Lord's will. Of course I have my ideas of what I want my life to look like. I would love to buy a home, have children (perhaps in a year or so), stay at home with them, homeschool them, and go on field trips. This is my current dream. However, I know achieving it in today's two-income society will be difficult. I was listening to Focus on the Family's radio broadcast one morning last week (in Jacksonville it airs on AM 1050) and heard them interview a woman named Donna Partow who wrote the book "Making Money from Home." I was really inspired by her ability to work from home and make a very decent living. She talked about making sure you have multiple streams of income. I am currently working 40 hours a week out of the home and my salary is most definitely my largest stream. My goal is to create at least two other dependable streams before we start having children. It is my hope that by starting early I will have a firm foundation when it comes time for me to quit work and stay at home. I figure any head start is a good thing. The other thing Mrs. Partow said that really struck me was (and I paraphrase): If you go into this like an amateur you will fail. You have to act as a professional. Research is the key! I have already begun reading up on things that sell well (and those that do not), how to sell, the most efficient methods, etc. I am super excited because I feel like I'm not only being smart, I feel like I'm coming closer to the Proverbs 31 woman. She was in real estate, made clothing and linens, managed a vineyard, and so many other things. What a blessing it is to be able to bless my family, small though it is, through a little extra work and planning! It is my sincere hope that this planting will yield a fruitful crop in days to come.