Thankful in the Midst

My husband left me today, and my son went with him.

They went to church to do a little work before heading off to the zoo with the extended family.

But I have to go to work at noon, so I was left at the house to finish eating my breakfast, to shower, to dress, to write a blog, and do whatever else, until I have to leave.

In a perfect world, I wouldn't have to go to work. But in the world we live in, we have bills and other financial responsibilities that require more income than my husband's job delivers.

So, after 10 months of living the stay-at-home-mom life, we decided it would really be best if I worked a couple of nights. My job is the same as it was when I was in college. I work at the Hobby Lobby frame shop. It's a job that I do enjoy, and I am thankful that they allow me to work such strange hours: 5-close a few nights a week, and most Saturdays.

I enjoy working with my hands. I enjoy helping people choose mats and frames, and I enjoy educating my customers on the ins and outs of framing technique.

But more than that, I would enjoy being able to go to the zoo with my family.

A couple of months ago, I went to the zoo with my son, his cousins, and their mom. My husband had to work that day, so I guess today's venture is only fair. My husband would much rather have gone to the zoo with his family that day instead of showing up at work.

But that's how it goes when you have a job. You show up at work, you do as you're expected (maybe you do a little more, if you're a suck up, or if you just like your job or your boss that much). You take your paycheck, you pay  your bills, and you buy the things that life requests.

I am thankful that I like my job, and that my job requires me to think creatively. I am thankful that I don't do the same thing every time I work.  I am thankful that I get to spend most of every day with my son. I am thankful that I get off work early enough to spend a little time with my husband before we have to go to bed. I am thankful that Hobby Lobby closes at 5:30 on New Year's Eve. And I am thankful that I will be able to dance and ring in this New Year merrily with my friends and family.

Happy New Year to you, too!