Most of you don’t know this about me, but I actually don’t have “gainful employment.” I write part-time and I watch our kids when they’re not in school.
When our first son was born, my wife and I both knew that we couldn’t keep two very demanding careers, a child and a marriage and have it all work out well. She’s a doctor and I was a construction project manager, both jobs that will take as many hours per week as you will give them. Since her career took a lot more work to get to (college, medical school, residency), I happily quit my job and began transitioning to watching a baby and writing.
As with any kind of career change, writing was a new challenge for someone used to looking at endless spreadsheets, cost analysis reports and having subcontractors curse at you. It took me a few years to get my feet wet and off and running, but I finally found my stride.
Over the past couple years I have been able to write three or so books a year, spend quality time with my children and keep a marriage thriving by choosing a lifestyle over a career and money. I’ve had help from my mother-in-law (because I’m actually not the “stay at home dad” type) and my kids’ wonderful preschool.
What Does This Have To Do With You?
I say all this because I’m going to take a hiatus from the blog over the summer. My children are small, and these are precious years. I want to dedicate as much time to them as possible while I have them with me, because I recognize it as a rare opportunity most people don’t have. I’m currently working on two books for this year that I think you will all want to read, and between those and my children, it leaves me little time to devote to this blog.
I may write something here or there if I get stirred up about it, as well as a podcast or two, but for the most part this blog will be on the “dark side of the moon” for a couple months. If you have just recently begun reading, I encourage you to browse through the archives. I have a lot of content on a variety of topics designed to spur you on in your faith, especially seeking God for yourself in a personal study, prayer and fasting lifestyle.
I appreciate all of you who read, and I will be back in earnest in the fall. Have a great summer, and enjoy those you love while the weather is warm.
And if you’re as pale as me, wear sunscreen.
I am a writer, author and purveyor of ink on paper. I also preach, teach and create Excel spreadsheets.