Exceeding Expectations

I was 24 years old when Katie was born. I had been married almost 3 years. My world changed drastically with that little bundle of joy. She was the first grandchild for both families. She obviously was a little spoiled and extremely loved. I remember that during the holidays of her first year the whole family would just sit around and watch her. Everything revolved around making her laugh and thinking she was the cutest thing ever. Of course, she was.


Danny and I were planners even back then. We had planned when we would have kids and planned for how we would allow me to stay home with them. We had it in writing. A little ledger chart that showed how much money we had in savings. We charted how much we needed to put away and how long it would take us to be at a place where we felt comfortable for me not to work. Our friends thought we were a little crazy. We even had a ten year plan.


All along the way of having babies and all the expenses that come along with that, Danny kept us on track. He diligently, yet gently, reminded me when things were not in the budget. We decided what we could live on and we lived on that. No more. Usually, because of me, no less. We were happy. Our girls were happy. We had everything we needed and a lot of what we wanted.


Because of his diligence and planning, I have been home raising my girls for 21 years now. It is my job. It is my passion. It is my privilege. I take it very seriously and I usually do most of it on my knees. I have had my moments when I let people discourage me about not working outside the home. I have been frustrated at times by the sacrifices we had to make to allow me to stay home. I have found myself over extended at times thinking I had more time to give to other things. But mostly I have been humbled by what God has done through the decisions we have made.


We have our own business. It is a family business that has been a part of Danny's family for over 40 years now. Because of his father's hard work and him following suit, we have been blessed. It was a mutual decision for me to not work. I go into the office twice a week and help where I can. Over the years I have learned enough about the business to be able to work when Danny goes on mission trips or hunting trips. We have learned to switch from the husband/wife role to the boss/employee role over time. I always tell people that I have been trying to get fired for over twenty years now.


I have wondered through the years if it has mattered that I have been home with my girls. I have second guessed myself at times. I have felt guilty at times because I was not helping out monetarily. But through the years, the Lord has shown me the benefits. This is what He called me to do. Danny has sacrificed more than me. He has worked long hours and given up some of his hobbies in order for us to be a strong family. He works hard every day but still finds the energy and time to be a good dad. It has not been easy and I am grateful. He never once has made me feel like I was taking something from him or that we were a burden to him. And I know that the world and the enemy have tried to convince him otherwise.


Last week as we were eating lunch at the office, we were talking about all of our planning and preparation for the future. He looked at me and said that he thought we had done pretty good with one income and that he was glad that we did it the way we did. He said that he knew that our girls were blessed because I was home with them and that they would bless his grandchildren because of it. I don't think he knows what those words meant to me.


Parenting is hard under the best of circumstances. But it is a calling. God wants us to trust Him and let Him lead us along the way. Not everyone makes the same choices. Sometimes our choices are made for us. Whatever that looks like for us, we cannot compare ourselves to others. Whether you are working full time or part time, whether you are staying at home or raising your kids on your own, whether you have saved for the future or have no idea how you will make it through next month; God is there. He knows your needs. He knows your heart. He will provide as you parent the next generation. You can expect Him to be faithful. You can trust Him to give you the tools you need and the energy it takes. Just ask. He will exceed your expectations. I promise.


And when He does. Tell your children. Share with them how God has worked in your family. Share with them how He provides for your needs and guides you along the way.  They will see that you trust Him. They will learn to trust Him too.  And they will then make a difference in the generation after them.

"so the next generation would know them, 

even the children yet to be born, 

and they in turn would tell their children." 

Psalm 78:6