I've officially become the newest Property Manager of the Dyckman Family House. We're learning what the responsibility of homeownership means as we're undergoing a small, surprise bathroom renovation due to a missed leaky faucet. In between managing our contractors, service providers, and insurance agents, I've been trying to unpack so we can settle into this house and make it our home.

Since my summer sabbatical began last month (that's what we're calling my unemployment), I've had more time on my hands now than ever. I've been trying to figure out what to do with each day as there's no set schedule, but plenty to do. It's weird. I've gone from ten years of work-serve-do to this quiet and unscheduled, sometimes unnoticed work.

When you've been going like that for so long, a job change (rather a life change!) could make a girl go crazy. Where's my value and worth in each day? What's my purpose and plan? What can I accomplish today? 

As I wrestle with the questions and emotions of purpose, I've had to begin each day with some "quiet time" on our front porch. Call it mindfulness mediation or self-observation; it's my opportunity each morning to pray, read my Bible, and connect with God to seek His guidance. 

When I do this, I'm filled with a sense of purpose for the day. I feel peace and calmness in my heart about this unique season of summer rest. I'm able to quiet my mind from the craze of the urgent and find rest in the unrushed.

What am I going to do in this season of life? Rest. Review. Reset. Reorganize. Reestablish priorities. Reexamine goals. Relax.

This past month I've meal planned for each week, cooked dinner most nights, and have exercised almost everyday. I'm also back to reading and writing. While I did those things in San Diego, it was not without a ton of effort to plan it all in. I was in a constant fight for margin in my schedule and white space on my calendar. Needless to say, I didn't know that I was actually missing the unscheduled and quiet pace of life. 

In my heart, I believe the Lord is asking me to lean into this season of rest and review. To be present in the here and now and not to worry just yet about the what's next. To let this little home, these big boxes, and our neighborhood be my platform of work. Will I get any Insta footage or recognition for all of this? No. Will I receive the lifetime achievement award by my work today? Probably not. Is that hard to me to swallow? Yes. I love making a difference. I love doing something big and having an impact. I love working and being busy. I love it all. I love people and big projects. For now, I know that I'm called to serve right where I am. 

Serve my husband by making this house a home while he is away at his new job. Serve my family by being close and available. Serve my neighbors by helping them out. With enthusiasm, I will. I'll keep job searching, keep writing, keep having my quiet time, and keep being faithful in the little things of everyday. Because the little things matter. It's the little things that lead to big things. It's in the quiet that I'll find my purpose. May the Lord help me to be faithful in the little things of today. May He help you too. 

What's your schedule like? Are you in a season of busyness? Are you getting to enjoy your days? Where are you faithful in the little? 

xoxo
Jes

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." Luke 16:10

"Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly - not for what you'll get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God." 1 Peter 5:2