Sunday, February 15, 2009

I'm Baaackk.

So I’m back.

I didn’t realize that my tribute to Travis would be my last entry for 20 days, because if I had, I certainly would not have allowed the picture of me and my pesky, tag-along friend Mr. Dubble Chen, to remain front and center for such a long and unnecessary period of time.

For the three of you still reading my blog, I apologize for the disruption and making you wonder if some travesty had fallen upon my family or if we had been kidnapped and taken to Timbuktu to serve as slaves for heathens wearing bone fragments through their nostrils and wooden toothpicks through their bellybuttons.

Anyway.

In a previous post, I mentioned that big changes were in store for our family. Changes that are exciting, yet uncomfortable; energizing, yet at the same time physically exhausting.

For some time my husband has felt led to start his own medical practice. He has been practicing medicine for about fifteen years, in different settings and environments, and through provisions and details that only God could have masterminded, found himself in a position that made this long term goal possible.

We purchased a small building back in December, and thus began the task of furnishing, organizing and supplying an office in order to be able to start serving patients at the beginning of February. Because John continued to see a full load of patients through the middle of January at his previous practice, a larger amount of the “setting up” landed on the shoulders of yours truly.

(This of course, makes perfect sense seeing how I am so very qualified. Considering that this time last year I was teaching a softball course at a local college, it is strikingly clear that I am exactly the type of person one needs when opening a medical practice.)

The learning curve has been steep, both from a small business owner’s perspective and most importantly, from one that is spiritual. I have been out of my element, completely out of my comfort zone, for the past two months, which is a stomach-clenching and frightening place to be. But at the same time, experiencing God’s provision repeatedly through this process that at times can seem like a free-fall has been an extraordinary journey that has stretched and challenged my faith.

There has not been a single area of personal strength I have been able to rely on because I’m not strong in any of the tasks required of me. Complete trust in God during this process has been the only way I have survived in an arena that I never intended to enter. However, as proven again and again in my life, make a plan and watch God laugh.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

We are entering week three of John’s new practice, and things are starting to settle somewhat. A sweet girl has been hired to take my place, allowing part-time hours for me which is a blessing to my family, especially considering that our dirty laundry had begun to spill over into the streets and situations requiring diet coke as a breakfast beverage for young children is just plain wrong.

(Also, it seems that hiring someone who is actually experienced in the medical field is advantageous to the patient schedule. Apparently, a morning full of geriatric pap smears for my internist husband is not how he prefers to roll. How was one supposed to know?)

So for now, I hope that I am back on track bloggin’ about joy, with maybe a few more anecdotes from my new work environment.

Of course, only after I procure clean underwear for my family and purchase milk for breakfast. I do still try to exercise a few priorities.

16 comments:

Not too old to learn said...

Glad to hear that all is okay. Trying to truly follow God's plan for your life is exciting, scary, intimidating, and rewarding all in one. Yes, I too believe it is quite uncomfortable. The last several months I have realized that we aren't necessarily supposed to be comfortable. God didn't call us to a life of comfort. He gave us two great commands to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors as ourself. There isn't any mention of "when it feels comfortable." (Believe me, I've searched for this!)

Speaking with my pastor a few weeks ago, he asked me how I was doing. I answered, fine. He said, "is that just a cliche or are you really doing good." I told him that somedays I am complimented that Satan would feel so threatened by my life's ministry that he would try to destroy my efforts to follow God's plan - then other days, I was ready to surrender. He said, when Satan stops messing with you - that's when you need to worry. I strive everyday to be the person that when my feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan moans and says, "oh no, she's up." Best of luck to you and your family in your "uncomfortableness."

Joni said...

NTOTL-
Sounds like we are on similar paths. The many obstacles and distractions the enemy has placed in our paths the last few months has had the potential to make my head spin completely around like the creepy girl in the Exorcist.

Still, I will always maintain that it is safer in the middle of God's will than out of it.

(Even so, if you see or hear of me spewing vomit, please call my pastor immediately.)

Joni

Robin said...

Joni-I have missed your JOY for the last few weeks! You came back with a bang though--love the part about the geriatric pap smears--certainly a large factor in me choosing pharmacy over physician--As their pharmacist I just have to hear about it after they leave the poor physicians office! My job is more like that of a bartender with that ever-listening ear!
I am proud for the both of you in your new venture. Keep your trust and your hearts focused on the One who will keep you. May God truly bless you as you honor Him in your work.
-R

Joni said...

Thanks R!

Joni

acassidy said...

I have to admit, I was getting a little worried about you! How exciting for you and your family. Best of luck to y'all!

Joni said...

A-
Thanks! You've been down a similar road with your husband. Can you offer some helpful hints as to how a wife can get herself fired? : )

Bella & Poppa said...

Glad your back and everything is okay.

Joni said...

Thanks Bella!

acassidy said...

I myself am still seeking the answer to that question! :)

KBear said...

Joni...welcome back...kept checking on you...we enjoy reading about your "Joy"...I laughed all day about the geriatric pap smears..and I would even fall into that catagory...hug those adorable kids from the Bear...
k.

Jennifer said...

welcome back! you were missed!

Joni said...

Thanks J!

Me said...

Ahhh finally my persistence in coming back paid off.

And you are NOT moving. (I thought that was the big change you alluded to earlier...)

:)

Congrats on the new practice!!!!

Joni said...

M-
Nope, not moving.

So when are YOU moving to the great South?

Anonymous said...

I was kinda hoping you were pg. ha. wish i could be john's nurse. we would eat bon bons and laugh at the patients alot. i have a really funny story about what a grandma called this "thing" on her grandsons ear. I have to do it in person though. miss ya, mary

Anonymous said...

I was kinda hoping you were pg. ha. wish i could be john's nurse. we would eat bon bons and laugh at the patients alot. i have a really funny story about what a grandma called this "thing" on her grandsons ear. I have to do it in person though. miss ya, mary