Free Time!!

As a wife and mother of three, my time is pretty precious. I think back to the days when I was single or even when we were married and had no children... And I wish I had appreciated how much time I had to myself. Nowadays, my time is not my own. It is dedicated to my family. And my 'free' time is dedicated to a cause that I hold just about as dearly as my own family. 

My sweet three kiddos!

My hubby and kids with me at the Aggie's Arts office. 

Now that my free time is so limited, I realize how precious it is. I have learned in my old age to say "no" to things. I am actually comfortable turning people down. I don't let myself get overloaded with boxes to check off. I might be overloaded sometimes, but I am overloaded with stuff I love! 

My office! On an Overloaded day! ;-)

When I was younger, I would sit in a meeting, hear a list of needs and just feel like I had to volunteer to fulfill as many slots as I could possibly fill. I felt like if I didn't step up, then no one might, and then the whole project would flop... All because I didn't step up. 

Finally, I realized that my feeling like that was kind of prideful. I mean, really... People can't get things done without Amanda Page? Um, yes they can. I realized that I needed to focus my time on what I was passionate about and where my heart was, instead of just checking off a bunch of boxes. 

Don't get me wrong, I love to help with lots of stuff! I chaperone field trips when I can and I love to take a meal to a new mom. But, I don't do those things out of obligation anymore. I know I can say No. And I know the world will keep turning if I do say No. 

On a field trip with Mattie, my oldest. Super Fun!

I am so thankful for wonderful mentors who helped me find that freedom!  Without the freedom to say No to some things, I would not have been able to devote myself so fully to Aggie's Arts... Where my heart truly is. 

In Uganda with our ladies and their families. :-)

I had dinner with some dear friends this week. One of them (whom I have always wanted to be like when I grow up) said to me how impressed she is with how far we have come with Aggie's Arts. She said how the whole thing was a great idea, and we often have great ideas that just stay ideas... how wonderful it is that we have stuck with it and it has grown to such a great ministry. 

It's that freedom to say No... Freedom to stop checking off boxes and focus on my passion that HE birthed in me that has allowed me to stick with Aggie's Arts. I am so very thankful that God has allowed me to be a part of this beautiful story of hope and love. He has given me focus and He has given me freedom. As I prepare to leave on my fourth trip to Uganda, and finally take my husband, I feel incredibly blessed and very excited to see what God has in store. 

In Uganda at one of the schools we support!

So, I encourage you today to find your passion. Stop feeling like the world will fall apart if you don't check that box. Know that God is in control. Listen to Him to figure out where to spend your "free time". 

In Uganda with Simon & Aggie's baby girl, Ivy! LOVE!

To find out more about Aggie's Arts visit our website www.aggiesarts.org.