A newborn who cries for 30-minute spans, draws his legs toward his belly, and frowns in discomfort might easily be diagnosed with colic. Normally this distress lasts a few weeks. However, my “baby’s” cries continued for years. I certainly didn’t have a typical child. The one I nurtured didn’t cost a penny to rear, had a glamorous name, and provided me with income. Still, this fussy babe—a demanding career in information technology—had to be calmed. I thank God that I eventually learned how to put this baby down and rest.
Recognizing the Problem
With incessant wails pounding at their eardrums, many new mothers and fathers can become distraught. Sleep deprived and anxious, these couples turn to veteran parents for a viable solution. Old-timers bring insight and calmness to seemingly helpless situations.
Likewise, I needed wise counsel, encouragement, and strength to pacify my wailing techno-tot. Sixty-hour work weeks, failing health, and poor communication with my loved ones were telltale signs that I had a problem. Alas, my career and personal life had intertwined so completely that it was hard to separate them.
To troubleshoot the “bugs” in this hectic lifestyle, I recorded my activities in a typical week. I was appalled to see how much time I’d devoted to feeding, pampering, and doctoring my high-tech babe. Finally, I realized that my career’s demands were greater than I could bear alone. I decided to seek help from the ultimate, perfect parent—my heavenly Father.
I petitioned God, asking for wisdom, discernment, and a correctly prioritized schedule. Convicted of self-righteousness, I realized that I hadn’t been such a good steward of my time and talents. I also hadn’t fully exercised my faith muscles. This wasn’t the abundant, purposeful life the Lord wanted me to have.
Acting in Obedience
After seeking wise counsel, don’t we sometimes reject the instruction we receive? With relief in arm’s reach, we continue on our worn path, delay taking action, and hastily devise makeshift plans based on emotions. Because of this stubbornness, we often let blessings slip away.
In 2 Kings 5, Naaman initially disapproved of Elisha’s simple directive to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Consequently he nearly missed being cured of leprosy. Expecting a more arduous, noteworthy task, he originally rejected the plan of treatment.
Like Naaman, I ignored sound instruction. In Matthew 6:33 we’re reminded that God will supply our needs if we seek his kingdom and righteousness first. Although these instructions were clear, I struggled to apply them. Eventually I learned that to thrive, I didn’t have to work to exhaustion, neglect my family, or dishonor my quiet time with the Lord. I needed to adjust my priorities by putting God first and trust him to do his part to meet my needs. However, this meant spending more time with the Lord and less time with my little bundle of technology.
I began to research healthier work alternatives. (Obviously, my heavyweight babe needed a leaner diet.) I considered job-sharing, a month-long sabbatical, working from home a few days per week, and converting from full- to part-time. I even contemplated the ultimate leap of faith—quitting my career altogether.
I fervently prayed for guidance. Regrettably, I lacked the patience to wait upon the Lord. I took matters into my own hands and signed up with a recruiter. I soon found myself on interviews galore. Still, after several months, I had received no acceptable job offers. Disgusted, I decided to hand this problem child over to a more suitable parent. I pleaded, “Heavenly Father, please show me what to do.”
Looking for Confirmation
After reminiscing about peaceful (but jobless) times in my past, I was convinced that home is where I needed to be. Through my prior two layoffs, the Lord had sustained our family with one income. During these times we enjoyed lower stress levels and shared more quality time. I was confident the Lord had shut doors to those previous careers, blocked paths to new, more stressful ones, and proved himself faithful through it all.
My mind was made up. “That’s it,” I said. “I’ll quit my job. God will provide. I must give him the opportunity to show his glory and faithfulness.” With that declaration, I received an overwhelming sense of peace. I had decided to leave my career to be at home with my patient husband and three precious children. Although it took another three weeks for me to draft my letter of resignation, I finally acted in obedience.
In the weeks that followed, my decision was confirmed over and over again. An unexpected bonus arrived in my husband’s paycheck. During a church event our children won gift cards to a nearby shopping mall—just a couple of weeks before their birthdays. In the following weeks, additional freebies were lavished upon us. From dinner invitations to free family outings, the Lord abundantly provided our needs and many of our hearts’ desires.
Refusing Temptation
Seemingly, once we make up our minds to do what’s right, opposition hits us from every angle. With tantalizing treats in hand, our enemy knocks at our closed doors, hoping we’ll answer in weakness. He anticipates our blessings and attempts to block them.
Sure enough, once I decided to walk away from my career, temptation began to lurk. Recruiters suddenly began to pursue me. They promised bigger incomes, greater responsibilities, more prestigious titles, and oodles of perks. In other words, they were enticing me to birth an even bigger baby. I refused.
Staying on God’s intended path is not always the easiest or shortest route. (Remember the desert-wandering Israelites?) However, this is often the path that best prepares us for our future. In retrospect, I realize that my prior job lay-offs had equipped me for this tough decision years later.
Exhibiting Faith, Finding Peace, Enjoying Rest
Although we might not have physically lived in barren lands for 40 years like the Israelites, we can experience seasons of “drought”—unemployment, family conflict, financial hardship, or other stressors. However, during these times, God still desires to guide our steps and enable us to fulfill his purpose. I praise God for such opportunities. In their midst, I’ve learned to submit to his lead and grow closer to him. As a result, he shows me his glory, refines my faith, and proves his own goodness.
I often reflect on the failing health I once had, the relationships I’d strained, and the stress I endured for the sake of my wired tyke. I even chuckle at my meager attempts to change its diet and squelch its cries. However, it wasn’t until I walked away, putting the babe into its Father’s capable hands, that I found perfect peace—God’s peace. As I reflect on my journey I smile, realizing how happy and blessed I am now that I’ve learned how to put this baby down, exhibit faith, and finally enjoy rest.
