Sometimes it’s hard to know what God has for us as women.
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” Eric Liddle – Chariots of Fire
So before you think I am a marathon runner, let me explain myself.
This quote has been foundational in my life as a woman, wife and as a mother. Why you may ask?
Because as women, we wear many hats and many times it’s a struggle to know how to pursue those things that make us smile outside of our children and husband. Sometimes we think when the kiddos start grade school we will get to pursue our hobby or dreams. Then it changes to when they get to middle school because that’s when they will be able to do a lot more for themselves. Before you know it, fifteen years have gone by and your children didn’t get to see you use your skills or giftedness. Or see you light up when you enjoyed your hobby.
I have asked countless of adults if they remember their parents having hobbies, many of them responded with: “I don’t remember them having one, dad worked and mom took good care of us.” I love that so many people had such committed parents.
One of the things I want my kids to see is me living out my dreams and passions–with them. I want them to say when they’re older,
Mom danced.
Mom played with us.
Mom enjoyed her friends.
Mom laughed.
Mom painted.
I still remember when I walked into the dining room and I saw my mom thoroughly enjoying herself while drawing.
I thought it was so strange but then it connected me to her in a different way because I also enjoyed drawing. It also gave me ideas on what to buy for her birthday.
I loved that I got to see that side of her that I had not seen before.
I want to encourage you to reflect for a moment what it is that you enjoy doing. Not necessarily as a career but that can also be one of your responses.
I’ve had several moms tell me, “I don’t go there because I don’t have time for anything but laundry and keeping my children alive right now.”
But here’s the thing I’m not encouraging you to neglect your family so you can go and pursue your dreams–our family and God should be a priority no matter what passion we pursue. That’s my heart’s desire as I juggle life’s activities. Remember, life is a constant tension of balance and sometimes that’s hard to put into practice–so we tend to live in extremes.
I truly believe God made me with a multipurpose label in my soul and creative wiring. I believe He made me to glorify Him in EVERYthing I do from washing dishes, feeding my children, painting, counseling others, teaching, discipling others and just the everyday ordinary tasks like listening to my children and neighbors.
From removing pee sheets off the bed every morning (for 2 years straight–don’t ask me why we didn’t use pull-ups).
Cuddling with my little men at bedtime.
Sitting in a counseling session with a client or conducting parenting workshops.
Pursuing my love for painting and creating with my hands.
To writing articles about crafts, family, food and life.
Juggling all of these things is a challenge especially when the kiddos get sick. So I get it, I know it’s hard and I’m not scolding you–I’m encouraging you.
Motherhood is hard and all-consuming, I’m right there with you. I also understand some of you dear mothers are taking care of children with special needs and it’s all-consuming–bless you on your journey. But if you can, I also encourage you to squeeze in a little time for yourself. You need it.
When my boys were under 5 years of age, I worked a part-time job so finding time to pursue my passions was a challenge. One of the things I have always enjoyed was painting, so after they would go to bed I would pull out my paint and canvas and start creating. Some days I’d come home exhausted and all I could do was get dinner on the table. But I tried to make the most of those evenings that I did have energy, to pursue my hobbies after the kids were in bed. I also tried to incorporate painting into my day with the kids, looking for ways to share my passion with them.
In the midst of it all, remember, God has gifted you and He will open doors as He sees fit. So stop hiding your talent under your momma superhero cape and trust in Him as He paves the way.
Fill this in with your answers: I believe God has given me the honor of being a mother/father, guardian…., but he also made me _______. And when I _______ I feel His pleasure. If you are still trying to discover what this is I pray that you don’t give up because He delights in giving you His pleasure.
Mine would be: I believe God has given me the honor of being a mom, but he also made me creative and compassionate. And when I create and serve those around me; whether it’s in on cyberspace, in my community or in my home I feel His pleasure.
In this journey, I’ve learned that pursuing my passions didn’t mean that I had to do it without them. It meant that I had to be flexible. I remember when I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I was feeling weighed down–literally and figuratively. I wanted to volunteer in our community helping the poor and I couldn’t because it meant paying a sitter. But then it hit me, take Ethan with me. Find places and things I can do with him. So I did and Mommy & Me Missions was started with other women from my church who were in the same boat.
“I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.” If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.” Eric Liddle
Blessings as you run the race and thank you for letting us journey alongside of you as we create, love, laugh, grow, and celebrate life together with our families.
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