eternal perspective & my professional life.

i am sitting at Starbucks with decaf passion tea brightly gleaming on my table while trying to catch up on continuing education in pediatric occupational therapy. i haven't started it yet. :) i cannot help but think about my time spent in graduate school. so long ago. 9 years ago. so so long ago.

i am thankful for my education. i love it in fact. i studied biology for my BS - which has been not only useful in helping me think critically but also in enriching my life and the lives of my children as we learn and discover God's greatness through his creation. i love teaching my boys about science.

my graduate degree is in Occupational Therapy (no I will not help you find a JOB, or help you to be happy in your job, or help you get along with the miserable people you work with!!). So what is an occupational therapist??

"The therapeutic use of work, self-care, and play activities to increase development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life." - American Occupational Therapy Association

And though i am currently not working (first time really since i was 15... or first time as an OT since graduating in 2003) i enjoy reading and keeping up with my profession. i am good at it. not perfect, but good. i love my profession. my occupation as a mother has far greater rewards, though often they are not externally gratifying. they are more internal, heart felt, Christ centered rewards. i remind myself of this as I strive to keep an eternal perspective through the monotony of what embodies the everyday life changing of diapers, wiping of noses, teaching life skills, and sowing seeds that are OH SO SIGNIFICANT! My dear mothers, do not forget your job is vital! It is eternal. It is good work!

i have contemplated going back to work as an OT a bit. a few days a month or even one day a week. for someone who thrives on alone time, i found that even the drive to and from work (listening to NPR... yes liberal, but very informative and interesting) gave me time alone in a way that kept me sane. a recalibrating of my MO or something. :) but for now, i have my hands full with two boys and a busy life.

so here i sit in Starbucks for a few hours with my tea reading about something i love - helping people do what they want and need to do... the job if living!! Yeah for Occupational Therapy and passion tea!