Overwhelmed...

We've been on quite a journey since we celebrated our eleventh anniversary (my last post here). About a month and a half later, I was offered a full time job teaching. I felt the Lord leading me down this path, as all of the pieces fell together just perfectly. It was the first time, however, I had worked full time outside the home since I had my girls. That part has been hard. Now, Daddy has the "privilege" of getting them up and ready, as my school begins before his does. I know what a task it can be to get three girls ready and out the door on time, so I feel guilty that I'm not a part of it. Aside from being there when they get up, I also miss out on volunteering in their school, going on field trips, and being "in the know". I am so grateful, however, that Scott is "in the know". He does work there, afterall.

I am completely blessed to have a teaching job and I absolutely LOVE my class this year! I'm having such a great time with them and I am continually learning new skills and using new ideas. It's brought to life a part of "me" that has been missing for awhile.

All of the "busy"-ness of our new life has left us exhausted. It has been extremely hard to reach out to others as it seems we are just fighting to stay above water, ourselves. We're juggling church, sports, three school schedules, homework, and learning the dynamics of a new school. Did I mention that History Buff started Middle School?

Right now, life is completely overwhelming, yet I feel like I need to be doing more. I need to be finding ways to serve others that my children can learn from and take part in. There are so many wonderful ministries and organizations out there, not to mention all of the opportunities that present themselves to us daily. I guess I'm just wondering, when do all of the good activities become toxic? I feel like there is just no room in our lives to do the things we should be doing.

What do you do to ensure your family thrives at a pace where spiritual growth and purposeful living take precedence? How do you decide what good things to give up?

*On a side note, Joyful Monkey got a CGM! Woohoo!