Several years ago, after I’d had two children and had been a stay at home mom just long enough to get bored, I wondered what I could do to earn extra money. First I cleaned houses. Later, I stumbled into a brief writing job. I submitted to a few magazines. I tried to hire myself out to write newsletters and resumes. I even attempted to start a photography business (back when I was still using film), but chickened out early on. I didn’t have enough knowledge and it was much harder to come by back then.
I prayed about it often. I really wanted something to do. Something I could love and put my skills to use on. Since I had a master’s degree in writing, I mainly focused my efforts in writing. But nothing ever seemed to work.
Then I started homeschooling, and for a while, this took all my concentration. But the idea of meaningful work was always there.
I discovered blogs and started my own. This began to fill some of my desire to create, but at the same time, it fueled a desire to learn more about photography.
And, the more I learned, the more I wanted to try a business again. I’m so thankful my husband is so supportive. He does the real work so that my job isn’t a risk.
On a shoot last month for a friend, I was able to take all my kids. As I was setting this shot up, I handed my daughter my camera to hold and she snapped these pictures of me. I stumbled across them today and it made me remember the journey I took to this place. The struggle to find something I was good at, something I could pour my creative energy into.
When I look at these images I know that right now is a really good time, and that day was a really good day. I still get to be home with my kids, teach them and nurture them. I also get to meet other people, be creative and bring in some extra income. And I get to do it all on my terms, according to my schedule and it feels very good.
