Resolutions?

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I've actually thought a little more about them this year than most. After all the yummy holiday food, Isaac and I sat down and worked out an exercise schedule and a better eating plan for 2009. Nothing really all that new, just writing it down so we'll be more likely to stick to it.

I think there is something to be said for writing goals down as a means of increasing your chances of meeting that goal. It's really the same way with "to do" lists. I'm one of those people that relishes the opportunity to check things off my to do list when I've completed a task. I guess you could say I'm a goal-oriented person (to say the least!).

So, 2009 brings lots of opportunities for Isaac and me. Isaac will find out his permanent position with Eaton when he finishes the Leadership Development Program in July. It's likely he'll stay where he is now at the Research Triangle Park (RTP) center. But we'll know for sure closer to summer time. Our goal at this point is to stay in the Raleigh area. I've been here for 3 years and have started developing a network of friends and community. My older sister Carolyn and her family are here too, so that's definitely a big plus! And they only live about 1.5 miles away!

My job at BB&T is fine for the time being. I have a couple big projects to complete this year, so it would be nice to follow through with those efforts. 2009 will prove a challenging year for the bank, but lucklily BB&T has weathered most of the financial crisis due to more conservative lending practices. (The CEO would say we aren't conservative, just smart!)

I struggle to know how I can best use my time and talent professionally. I have a master's degree in counseling that I'm not using. I saw a couple clients in Raleigh when I first moved (pro bono). It was just difficult to hold down a full time job, maintain life balance, and see clients as well. I loved my internship as a chaplain at Baptist hospital in Winston-Salem. But you have to have a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and be ordained by a church to do that full time. So there are lots of ideas floating around in my head... it's just difficult to put an action plan into place. Why? FEAR. I'll post more on this later...

My head tells me I should know what I want to do professionally by now. I'm 32 and we're planning to start a family in the near future, God willing. So, I'm just not sure where to go with all this. One of my ideas is to speak with my pastor at First Presbyterian about it. Maybe he can give me some insight. Isaac is extremely supportive about my struggles in this area. So I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful and caring husband. He knows how much pressure I put on myself to do the right thing. Whatever that is! : )

So stay tuned. As always, I appreciate your prayers for our family. If you have any insights, feel free to leave a comment. Bye for now.