However, the reason behind seeking these things isn't coming from the right place. As a stay at home mom, sometimes I feel guilty not adding to the financial responsibility that my husband bears each day. Then the negative thoughts just go down from there about myself.
With the way our culture perceives women and stay at home mom's it is hard to do right in "their" eyes. I have spent so many days reasoning with myself why I should be at home and defending it to myself. I have even at times said maybe I am just not cut out to be this stay at home mom.
But yesterday, on Mother's Day, I was reminded just why I am a stay at home mom and that it is ok. I worry too much about "the people on the outside" think of me and not remember whom I really serve.
Raising kids isn't easy and when you are fighting yourself about it; its even worse. During the sermon at a church we visited (we went to watch my sis in law sing with her quartet) yesterday the Pastor spoke about how women in general are "life-givers". He went to speak about how women are tough, tender and teachers...and that only women can give life to these wonderful beings we call our kids. That is a BIG responsibility.
After this sermon, I realized I really sell myself short...moreover I sell God short on what he is doing with my life. So going forward instead of worrying about what pleases others and what others do...I am going to just serve HIM. The guilt and negative thoughts that flow through my head---aren't from him.
I know I will still have days where I just don't feel like I am enough. I will remember that God thinks I am enough. He gave me Addison Rose for a reason and I have a big job ahead to steer her in a way to bring HIM glory.
Some verses that really spoke to me yesterday and one give to me by my cousin, Emily....
Ephesian 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Proverbs 31:28-30
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
It's amazing what God says about us and how much faith he truly has in us. I am reminded daily of what a godly mother is supposed to be like; I see it in my mom and mother in law. Without these women in my life, I would be nothing.
So I am going to strive to live by these 3 verses. Does that mean I won't fail? Absolutely not. Each day I fail but knowing who I am serving each day and the true reason for having a child is to lead her to Christ. Addy is not mine, this is our temporary home. I just hope that I can truly live up to Proverbs 31:28-30. Let HIM be praised!
My sis in law, Amanda gave me this wonderful quote....
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” -Marion C. Garretty
May you be able to catch yourself doing the impossible today.-Amanda
If I had 3 jobs...it wouldnt equal the amount of work or importance of your 1 job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. I think being a parent, especially a mommy, is THE most important job you can have, especially in today's world. Addy is so lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteYou made me cry with this. I love you KTP and dont EVER sell yourself short. Your husband appreciates you... so does your daughter, so do your friends. You are an amazing care giver. Satan's number one goal in ALL our lives, is to lie to us, and get us to believe the exact opposite of the truth. If can get us to take the bait, we'll spend life suffering and questioning. But when you rest in the truth, which is that God gave you to Addy- and her to you- because it is His divine will that you raise her- suddenly the picture changes. Your destiny in Christ cannot be shaken, and His truth about who/why/what you are, when spoken to yourself over and over, will conquer satan's lies every day. And at the end of time, God's truth will conquer satan's lies for eternity! So just embrace THAT reality today! You are a wonderful mommy. Like Laura said, she is lucky to have you!!! God knew what He was doing, KTP! <3
ReplyDeleteNever sell yourself short sis....people who think being a mom is easy have NEVER EVER been one. We had a hard morning around here and I thought about how difficult it was to be a parent. But then all it takes is one look into my sweet girl's hazel eyes and I am reminded why I LOVE being a parent. You are a wonderfully loving mother, never forget that the Lord will give you the strength you need just when you need it ! :) Much love dear sis, Katie
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