She Did It
11 years ago, during a run-of-the-mill youth group discussion, a young lady told me her dream was to be a stay-at-home mom one day. Her face lit up when she made this declaration; so confident, so excited. She was a gifted athlete who would eventually go on to play at the D-1 level in college, and then transition into a very successful young career in the professional world. All the while, though, her stay-at-home mom dream persisted.
Last week, I received a text message out of the blue: "Today was my last day of work!!! Tomorrow, I'll be officially working my dream job of full-time stay at home mom. YAY!"
So beautiful! I haven't had a chance to chat with her verbally yet, but I can't wait for that conversation. I'm so happy for her. I'm so excited for her. I'm so proud of her.
None of this was by accident, though. She didn't luck into it. Good fortune didn't strike her. She and her husband worked for it. They planned for it. They sacrificed for it. This has been the plan for so long, and now, they get to reap the rewards for all the discipline and dedication that led them to this moment. I'm so happy for this couple, these new parents, and this dream career my friend is about to pursue.
Our culture says it's not possible. Our culture says we're all victims of bad timing and tough economic conditions. Our culture says a single-income life is unattainable....especially for young people. Yet, dedicated, disciplined, and sacrificial couples are doing it all the time. It IS possible.....if we're willing to pay the price to make it happen.
I'm grateful my young friends are willing to pay this price, and they will undoubtedly thank their younger selves for bringing this dream to life.
Whatever your version of this is (whether being a stay-at-home parent or some other dream), do it. Don't let other people or our prevailing culture rob you of your hope, aspirations, and dreams. Fight for it. Stay persistent. Pay the price. Make it happen.
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