Chapter 6 – Breathing Out – Part 3

Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 NASB

Exercise 3: The Family Contract

Work with members of your family in drawing up a contract that defines how they will grant you the time, space, and privacy you need to do your artist work.

When I first read this exercise, I laughed. Like I am really going to do that. Like I was going to pick a space and put up a Do Not Disturb sign on the door. I have better luck with that at church. And I don’t even need the sign. I only keep the door closed so that I don’t bother anyone. No one will bother me.

I guess I laughed because I work part time and I have a lot of free time available. I even get up extra early to take advantage of quiet time. When everyone else is home, I can spend time with them.

Of course, we’re coming up on summer and I’m getting nervous. I’ll have two girls at home with me to keep occupied and sometimes I DO need some down time. I won’t have the time to “work”. I may even have to work with them by my side. It’s just not the same. I don’t care what you say. If your kids are around, you cannot be fully committed to your job.

I’m horrible. I read this exercise and decided I wasn’t going to do it. Why bother. I don’t even want to talk about it.

I’ve disengaged.

A lot.

I haven’t done anything for sooooo long.

After doing everything for sooooo long.

I don’t even remember what I used to do.

Back when I had plenty to do. Oh, yeah, right. I had little ones. That’s it.

What about before them?

Oh, yeah, right. I had a full time job.

It is amazing the importance that has been placed on women having full time jobs. Women who work get more respect and support.

It’s also amazing the number of people who work in a field for which they have no degree … and the number of fully qualified people or are displaced by them.

I’m overwhelmed by the places that create a position for people they like.

Wow. I’m venting. I apologize. Some people get paid to do what they’re good at. Others are not.

Commend what you do to Yahweh, and what you plan will be achieved.

Proverbs 16:3 NJB

There is no Jonah 4:13