My Supports

One can imagine that within their professional life, at times, time management could become a challenge.  As often as we make lists of things to accomplish either daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly for some reason there seems to ALWAYS be something or someone that consumes the time allocated to check off one of those items from the list.  Right?  I remember 5 years ago, when I first gained a Director position of a facility; I wanted to be the best and most effective manager, friend, and support to the children, parents, and staff that were affected by my position.  At many times, I would put my personal calendar on hold to participate or accomplish a task for my professional life that could have probably either waited or not have participated in at all.  Time management and separating work from home life seems to be an issue when working in the field we do.

There is one person that I could always rely on when dealing with my professional and personal life.  John Kenney, a person I spent a summer interning with while in college as well as a leader within our church organization that I looked up to.  John and his wife spent the time pouring into my life, answering questions that seemed odd to some, and were a support during challenging times.  The best advice he gave me when I came to him with this new experience was simple.  Remember where my priorities lay, make sure you spend the time enhancing your life at home more than that at work.  Afterall, there can always be more to do at work but there is only one birthday party or championship game to attend.  And  the other advice that I always have to remind myself about is to learn to not attempt to please everyone because when you start living to please everyone else, your life becomes less valuable to yourself. 

There are many other people that offer support in my life.  I have one of the most supportive husbands I could have ever dreamed of having!  A man that cooks dinner when I run behind, cleans bathrooms to be a part of household needs, and spends numerous hours playing with our daughter.  He truly shows her what a husband and Father should be and what true love is about.  My parents, two people that have instilled in me values and trust where they count the most while also proving that happiness isn’t about the possessions we have instead the moments we treasure with people.

Without the supports I have, I honestly don’t know how I would have become the person I am today without them.  John and his wife helped to show me in my professional and ministry areas of my life how to be “political” while also standing for what I believe in.  My husband has shown me through an incredible friendship that accomplishing life together means so much more than trying to handle everything solo.  And of course, my parents, without them I obviously would never be here and their continual support no matter if I choose to follow their advice or learn on my own they are always there!  If any of these people would no longer exist in my life, I would be lost.  Although after a while I would pick up the pieces, it would be a hard puzzle to put back together.