Joy, Joy, Joy!

I remember my Dad talking about the joy he felt because his children had all become (in his eyes) successful adults.  I remember thinking that he talked about that alot and I didn't really seem to understand why that was such a huge deal to him or why that was such a big since of pride for him.  Funny how time changes things.

I've got a pretty short list of very important things in my life that I pray about often.  Hoping and praying that those few items, will soon be checked on my list of things that have been accomplished.

One of those items is the very thing that Dad talked about that I didn't understand....my children being successful.  Successful not necessarily in the 'financial' aspect, but success in life.  Happy with where their life has taken them and happy with their daily life's activities.  Don't get me wrong, being financially compensated for a job well done is important...but more than anything - it's the sense that they are doing what they love and loving what they do.

Emily exudes joy when you talk to her about her job!  I can hear it in her voice and see it in her eyes.  Who knew that the first 2 years of teaching and frustration in the classroom could turn around so quickly.  How happy I am to see her success!  I know now exactly what my Dad meant!

Shelley has hit the floor running at Boedeker Construction.  How challenging is it to fall into a career that you know 'little about' and so easily fall into the groove.  It's so rewarding to have Dennis lean on Shelley to make his workload easier and how exciting for me to see Boedeker Construction create a legacy.  I know now exactly what my Dad meant!

Steve has made me so proud!  How great is it that you find a job that you do well, where you love the people you work with and they reward you because they appreciate your contributions to the company!  How comforting is it to know that my daughter's household is secure and that stresses and strains from work don't interfere in their lives.  I know now exactly what my Dad meant!

Stephanie has the perfect job!  She's so lucky to be blessed with a work schedule that allows her to be a stay home mommy and also continue to teach (which she loves).  I wish more new mommies could find a way to balance their work-life with mommy hood like she did.  I know not exactly what my Dad meant!

Now to get the other couple of items off my "important" list!  Guess I'll pray some ,more!