“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV).
Do you ever wish you could change things in your life? A different career, more children, volunteer in the community, work outside/inside the home full time or part time?
I learned as a young adult I do much better when I get to focus on one thing at a time. I can multitask really well within that area, but give me too many different jobs and I tend to stress out. When I was newly married, without children, I worked outside the home and managed to keep on top of my responsibilities. Even after our first child, I continued to cope well. After our second child arrived, though, I talked with my husband and we decided it would be much better for our family if I could contribute to the household income from inside the house versus outside the home. That’s when I chose to get relicensed for daycare and I got paid to be a mom to multiple children, something I relished. I got a full night’s sleep but had cute little ones all day. One more child and a job change later, I realized again the truth that I function much better focusing on motherhood or a career rather than trying to juggle both. That used to discourage me because I felt like I did a lousy job at both jobs: Motherhood and my career.
I was reading a great devotional, There’s a Green Plastic Monkey in my Purse by Jessie Clemence, and she was telling all these truly inspiring stories about women who homeschool, have more children than I, cook organically, grow their own garden, etc. and do it with a smile. I thought, That’s who I want to be. I want to be a stay-at-home mom, make all our food from scratch…
At first I was discouraged I wasn’t doing all I thought I should be, but then God again lovingly, reminded me that I am exactly where He wants me to be. God is the God of the Universe which means He owns everything: Jobs, finances, children, possessions, etc. If God truly wanted me to be a stay-at-home mom, He could think the thought and our finances would be such that I could be. However, He doesn’t work that way. Maybe He has something to teach me by having me juggle a career and motherhood. Maybe He wants to teach my children more independence. (As I wrote in a previous blog, if I was a stay-at-home mom with nothing else to do, my children would be lazy and spoiled because I would do everything for them. By working and having other responsibilities, they are required to pitch in to help make our household run smoothly and for the record, they do a great job at it.)
The point isn’t that I know the why behind where I am; the point is I can trust that God has me right where He wants me. I can take that thought one step further. Not only can I trust God for where I am now, but I can trust God that if I continue to obey His guidelines and not run off and do something foolish that I will regret later (like charge $10,000 on a credit card “just because”), then God will guide me to where He wants me in the future. And, that, my friends, changed my perspective. I realized I am right where I belong – juggling a career and motherhood, going a little crazy at times, but confident that God is teaching me and my family what He wants us to learn. And I can rest in that peace even while multitasking.
Copyright 2013: Cheri Swalwell
No joke, this is at least the fourth time Ephesians 2:10 has come up in very specific ways for me in the last two weeks. Obviously God has something to say to me; I hope I’m listening!
And I love this post; it’s excellent!
Jessie,
I absolutely LOVE it when God speaks so directly to us through His word, using various means just to make sure that we are listening. Sounds to me like you are doing just that. I feel honored and humbled to have been able to be part of that journey with you. Thanks for commenting. Blessings to you as you seek to figure out all that God wants you to learn from Ephesians. Can’t wait to reap the benefits.
In Him,
Cheri 🙂
Cheri,
I don’t have kids or even a job out of the home now but I can certainly relate to trying to do too many different things. It was actually easier in many ways when I worked full time outside the home because there was a distinct separation between work and home time. Now it’s blurred and I feel tension between when to work and when to just relax. I’m not enjoying either as much as I could be.
Have a Victorious Day!
Marianne
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
I completely agree, Marianne. The separation of work and home is more difficult when working from the home; but the rewards are greater too. I don’t get sick days and I don’t get paid timeoff, but I get a flexible schedule (sometimes) and other rewards that aren’t monetary. In fact, right now, I took a break to “watch a helicopter” 🙂 Thanks for commenting, Marianne.
In Him,
Cheri 🙂
I really love your message and I am inspired by it. I have always desired to stay home since I put to bed 7 months ago but our finances would not allow. However, I am still trusting God that I’d do that very soon or by the next set of children I have. My greatest desire is to be available to counsel couples and defend the less privileged. One day I know I would live this dream. Keep up the good work. God bless you!
I understand your desires, Yomi. What a great ministry God has laid on your heart regarding couples and the less privileged. Keep praying and asking God what exactly He wants for your life. I can’t wait to see how He answers. They are always so much better than anything we can imagine! Welcome! Thank you for commenting.
in Him
Cheri 🙂