Time to Quit

At the beginning of last March, I was praying late one night to know how to help my kids. It was the kind of prayer that had me pacing the room because I felt so helpless. I pleaded with the Lord  to help me know what I could do. I got out a post-it note to start writing down any thoughts that came to my mind. I've noticed that the ideas I have during my prayers more often contain my answers than any other way. It's one of the best ways I can hear Him. 

I made a list of several ideas and continued a broken prayer as I looked over the list. It became very clear to me that I needed to stop teaching piano lessons. This was a difficult idea for me to consider. I had been teaching for over ten years and I loved the one-on-one time I had with my students. I loved getting to know them all individually and I hold a special place in my heart for all of the kids I've taught over the years. 

I struggled with the idea for a little while, then went to bed. I think it was around 2 in the morning and since I usually go to bed about 9:30, it was way past my bedtime. By morning, I felt complete peace with the idea. I knew without a doubt that was the most important thing I could do for my family at that time. 

This is one of the most clear answers to prayer I've ever had. It didn't take long to start seeing real blessings for following through with it. I have much more time in the afternoons when my kids get home from school to talk about their day, or anything else. Now, I frequently spend time just talking to the kids as we play with Moki. I have much more patience with my kids and treat them with more respect. 

Being able to teach piano lessons was truly a blessing in my life. Then being able to quit teaching to focus on my family was also a blessing. I'm so grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to help me and knows me well enough to know what I need in my life right now. I trust Him and in His timing. This answer was just the next step for me to take at that time and I've had many more next step answers since then. I know He answers prayers when I turn to Him wholeheartedly and I can continue to receive personal revelation for me and my family.