How Do You Fill Your Time?

June 17, 2013

A common question I have be asked since I started my leave is “What do you do with your time?”

My first three weeks were jam-packed with things that I have been wanting to do but didn’t have the time or the energy: clean out closets, purge unneeded things, update the blog. Then there was the laundry list of art projects I needed to try or make as gifts, projects for According to Aletheia, business card for Mrs. Sephton, logo for Talk Business, and bridal shower invitations. Then the ever-present doctor and physical therapy appointments plus the exercises I have to do at home.

I knew when I started leave that keeping my mental health was of vital importance. I had a strong sense that I needed to stay active and shy away from confining myself indoors. The two primary avenues I chose where the Duke Gardens (can’t beat free) and involving myself more at church. I signed up for a mentor, continued being involved in my small group, and made a goal to crochet three scarves a week. I made a habit of checking the weather forecast and scheduling time to go explore the gardens.

As items were starting to get checked off my list, I started offering my services to friends. One for my friends from church is getting married next month. I have always loved helping with weddings, so I volunteered my time. Now I spend my time making a variety of flowers out of coffee filters, crepe paper, and twine. This wedding has been a true blessing as it has required my planning neurons to come back to life.

Now as I have been unpaid for sometime, I have had to also use my time to make a little bit of money. I defaulted to my intern days at Duke and started to once again participate in research studies to earn a little cash. Studies don’t stop with the end of the school year, Many great opportunities still exist. A couple of them (the better paying ones) have required multiple visits making my flexible schedule a great advantage.

One thing that I didn’t really expect when I first started my leave was the most amazing sense of freedom. I moments of weakness I do freak out slightly concerning the lack of funds I have coming in, but I have decided to not let that stop me from giving cheerfully both with my services and with my finds. I just love giving.

Unemployment is not foreign to me. God has always taken care of me during those times. I know He will walk with me through this and every other aspect of my life. I have absolutely no doubt on that score.

Yes, my future is uncertain. Yes, my physical state isn’t 100%. But I can lay my head down every night knowing that even though I don’t understand everything, God knit me together and if I trust in that and in Him, He will make my path straight.