Mamas, Finding JOY In Your Calling
It isn't always easy to be a mother.
Rewarding, yes.
Fulfilling, you betcha.
Tiring & tough at times...another resounding yes!
The title is not without it's challenges & unique day to day sacrifices.
You're supposed to be:
-the taxi driver
-the CEO of the home
-the planner/organizer
-the peace maker
-the boo boo kisser
-the teacher & helper
-the cook
-on call 24/7
Did I mention the role of 'you have to automatically know where everything is in this house'???
I got that one too ;)
Of course Dad should play a part as well.
Good marriages make parenting a team effort.
We love our spouse's for that :)
But I have a question for you today: have you found JOY along your journey??
Today, I want to share FIVE tips that have helped me stay 'sane' as a Mama.
They've helped me to stay grounded & learn to enjoy (most of!) the adventure.
To help promote JOY in my heart as a parent.
Even in the most difficult of seasons parenting, we can truly (deep down) know that our calling is a blessing. That we are making a difference.
Most importantly, we can learn to see each one of our children as the wonderful gifts of God that they truly are.
Regardless of how they might 'act' at times..
Five Tips To Find JOY In Your Calling
- Realize It IS Only A Season
Being a mother doesn't end when they leave the nest of course, however there is a short season where you will be required to give that total care package I mentioned. I am truly, truly thankful for the mothers that have stopped & reminded me to enjoy this season while they are still young. They will grow up so fast, and one day I want to remember all the lovely adventures we shared together.
- Remind Yourself You're Investing In Something HUGE. The next generation.
Some days I feel SO frazzled from having to remind a child (or 2, or 3!) that their behaviour needs to change, and all I can do is look at the clock & begin the bedtime countdown in my head! (anybody been there??)
However, the bigger picture & reality of our lives, is that our children ARE the next generation. They are it.
No matter how many other activities or callings we are investing in, they will live on to share our family's legacy. Our heritage.
This alone keeps me on my knees most days for my children & our future.
- Don't Go It Alone: Inviting Friends & Family To Be Your Allies.
I have to remind myself of this one all the time. It's not going to work very well if I try to do it all alone. We need one another Mamas. We need our church support, our family, our healthy friendships.
Of course some of us are missing pieces from a 'normal' support network, but we can all reach out to people around us. If we are prayerful & using wisdom, we can find like-minded souls who will help us to keep on keeping on when the job gets downright tough.
- Fill Up Your Spiritual Tank.
Who better knows our needs than our Heavenly Father? Who knows our children's unique strengths & weaknesses better than He does?
I am all for reading great parenting books, and getting advice from those who've already 'been there & done that', but the reality is that at the end of the day the buck falls on you & only YOU! Spouses included of course.
I take what advice I can where appropriate, but most days I am asking the Father for wisdom & guidance along my parenting journey.
We need our relaxation time. We need to have our time with our spouse. We need to spend one-on-one time with each child. We need to get our spiritual nourishment. We need this. We need that....everything has to be in balance & moderation.
I've had seasons where I've worked myself so hard that I ended up getting sick & close to burn-out. Other seasons I've been convicted I need to stay more diligent on certain tasks. Sometimes I have plenty of 'girlfriend' time, other times I've had to remind myself to stay in touch with the outside world.
I think if we remind ourselves regularly of what/who needs to be a part of our lives, it is a matter of scheduling those aspects in. Ask yourself what is vital & then balance those things out.
Those five tips have helped me to stay balanced.
To experience JOY in my ever-growing journey as a Mama.
What about you?
What helps you to stay grounded as a Mama? What helps to promote JOY in your heart?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.
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