So far January has not produced evidence of expansion.
The job I was offered in June came back with a "Thank you for being patient, but we don't have a place for you now." A new door opens but I can not see it.

 I stayed inside most of this week, choosing to stay away from the cold (winter came!) air and allow time for the new year to sink in as lingering vacation longings wane. To be surrounded by 6-7 people every day for a week and then 0-1 upon returning home takes its toll on me. 

Last night I donned my first doula hat and helped a single mother, giving her the space to take a few hours to herself while I entertained her young daughter and newborn. I was never good at babysitting young kids and through the years I have not gotten much better. But, holding the tiny baby was lovely and easy.

As Nick and I watch NFL playoffs and let days unfold as they will, my heart relaxes. Plus, we are reading Jesus Calling from Mom Y. I am surprised how much I like the daily reminders of God's love and the mystery of our life. Just before sitting down to post, I read this to Nick from Transitions: Rather than cling to my known life, I allow that life to alter and expand.
And so it is.