A Woman's Work

A woman's work is truly never done. There is always something to do - always. As soon as laundry is finished, another load appears. As soon as the kitchen is clean, another sink load of dirty dishes pops up. As soon as the floor is swept and mopped, someone spills something or tracks dirt in the house. We won't even discuss toilets - especially if you have boys. I finally got around to cleaning the blinds and windows in a few rooms in the house. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment especially since I hate doing windows. While hanging the clean blinds back up, I caught a glimpse of the sunlight shining on dust hanging from the ceiling fan. Good grief. If I had not washed the windows, I may have never noticed the dust. It's enough visible work around the house without having the spotlight on dust I don't see. Oh well, I find comfort in knowing it's understood that a woman's work is never done. To me, this means I'm never expected to be finished with my housework, so that dust can hang from the ceiling fan for just a little while longer.

Jealous Family

I heard from a mother this morning who is having difficulty helping her family adjust to her new career. Although she works within the home, all of a sudden she doesn't spend enough time with her family. It's funny how our family reacts when we pursue outside interest. They aren't concerned because we don't spend enough time, but they want ALL our time. It takes a minute for the family to accept our outside interest and some families will just tolerate it, but still want all Mama's time. Don't let guilt stop you from doing what you enjoy. We can't hold hands all day, we can't play all day, and we sure can't romance all day. Do what you do and maybe a little more, then TAKE CARE OF YOU.

I work a few hours outside the home in the evenings plus I have a job I work from home. I've been writing for years and alot of my time is spent on the computer. I still have to make sure my family is fed, dry, and happy before I sit down to work. Even when I ask if anyone needs anything before I sit down, someone will find a reason to interrupt me, but that's okay. They need me, want, me, and like having me around, but they can't have me every minute of the day.

This is difficult for new mothers to do. You truly may NOT have time for outside interest, yet begin training the child early to entertain themselves and learn not to hang on to Mama's dress tail every waking minute.

Our family will actually get jealous and feel our outside interest is replacing them. This is where the guilt comes in. We begin to feel we're neglecting our family when in actuality we're neglecting ourselves. If we KNOW we're doing our best to nurture our family and making sure their needs are met, we have nothing to feel guilty about. Is the house reasonably cleaned? Is food available when they get hungry? Have you given quality time to each child? Is hubby satisfied? Okaaaaay, so what's the problem? You've loved and cared for everyone else, so love yourself enough and take care of you.

Your Passion

Many women forget they were a woman FIRST before they became a wife and mother. We get caught up in nurturing others and as usual, we forget to nurture ourselves and our gifts and talents. We were women FIRST - full of life with passion. What's your passion? Cooking, politics, scrapbooking, exercising, sewing, decorating, music? These passions sound like hobbies and that's okay. Passion is something stirring deep within our soul. It's something we are driven to do without pay or recognition. My passion is writing. I love to write. Even when I'm not physically writing, I'm writing in my head.

It's sometimes hard to find time for our passion, but our passion should be followed. I try hard not to let my family replace my passion. Replacing my passion would be like taking away a piece of me. Passion brings joy. Passion gives purpose to our being. I ask again, what's your passion? If you aren't sure of what it is, now is a good time to search yourself and find out. What do you enjoy doing for yourself? Is there something that you feel strongly about? Is there a cause you desire to support? Follow your passion and live a passionate life!

Facing My Fear

I enjoy watching The Food Network. Last night, The Next Food Network Star was chosen. The winner struggled feeling comfortable in front of the camera, but in the final competition, he found the courage to relax and be himself. I struggled with being myself for years and always knew I was living conservatively of who I was created to be. As strange as it sounds, I was afraid to be me. Well, something was burning within me, so one year I decided to face my fear and meet me. How? There were a few reins in my life that I kept control of and I finally let them go. I made a choice to let God have His way with me. Only our Creator truly knows who we are; we think we know who we are. Year by year, I’ve watched my life unfold. I’m doing things I never thought I’d do. I’ve never felt comfortable sharing anything I’ve written, yet the Monday Meditations, growing from state to state, are from the new me. I’ve never felt comfortable sharing anything I cook, but the new me shares baked goods out of a local restaurant. I never thought I’d homeschool, but I’m going on my eighth year and realized how much I enjoy teaching toddlers. Toddlers? Me? Facing my fear has opened doors and opportunities. Facing my fear has given me new life in Christ. Fear is what kept me from being completely comfortable in my skin. Fear hindered God’s work in my life. Just as the winner of The Next Food Network Star would have missed out on winning by not being himself, we miss out on life by not being who we were created to be. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do? Is there something burning within you waiting to surface? Face your fear and follow God.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) - For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

You're Different

One major thing that helps me in my relationships is realizing we are all wired differently. Just because people don't think the way I do doesn't make their decisions or the way they do things wrong. They are supposed to be different! We aren't supposed to think alike. God made each of us unique in our own way. My children have their own minds and thoughts and so does my husband, so I try hard not to expect them to do and say things the way I do. This is a great concept to use not only in the family, but on the job, with our neighbors, strangers we meet, and especially our church family - Ouch! Instead of wondering why people do and say the things they do, I try to just accept the fact that they are different from me. This sure saves alot of time from trying to figure people out. What makes us think we are so right in our thinking and actions anyway? Hmmm...this really shows what we think of ourselves. We really aren't all that and a bag of chips. I recently heard someone say we judge other people's actions, but we judge ourselves based on our intentions. This is definitely something to make you go....hmmm....

Thank God it's Monday!

Finally, Monday has arrived! I was so happy to start another work week, I could hardly contain my excitement. All weekend, I waited for Monday like a child waiting for Christmas. The beginning of another demanding week brings a smile to my face! Okay, let me stop before I lose you. I don’t really feel this way about Mondays, but I have to aggressively tackle the hum-drums before they tackle me. I know my thoughts control my actions, so my performance and productivity is a direct reflection of my mind-set. Wouldn’t it be nice to cheerfully spring out of bed each Monday, do a few jumping jacks, and say, “Thank God, it’s Monday!” I chuckle when I imagine this. Yes, even the thought is funny, but it’s what God desires. Not necessarily the jumping jacks, but a cheerful spirit for a new day. Every day we awake breathing should be enough to bring us joy. Monday is the beginning of…new beginnings! This Monday could be our last, so let’s live it with joy, hope, and thanksgiving. Together, let’s thank God for Monday.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for this new Monday. I thank you for another chance to bring you glory as the woman, wife, and Mother you created me to be. Infuse me with your Holy Spirit. Take control of my thoughts, my emotions, and my actions. Fill me with your love, your joy, and your peace. Order my steps as I let go and let you have your way with me and through me. Thank you for Monday and everyday. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)
This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Not a Wife or Mother

I didn't feel like being much of a wife or Mother this weekend, so I took some time off. I usually take advantage of out of town trips to take a break, yet this time I stayed right at home and didn't do a thing. I put my feet up, read a few books, watched some movies, and just did whatever I felt like doing - alot of nothing. I told my husband I'd be back (mentally) Monday, so he and the boys immediately stepped up to the plate. They cooked their own breakfast, ironed their own clothes, washed dishes, and everything. Soooo, you can function without me! Of course my Mother's touch is missing in a big way, but it's nice to see them do things for themselves. As I notice little things around the house not getting done or getting half done, I almost can't wait to get back, but for now....I'm enjoying my time off. I know I'll pay for this on Monday, but it's worth it for some much needed rest and my peace of mind.

Starting Over

Lord help me, I have a God-son. I don't know where the whole god-parent role derived from or what it truly means, but I'm one to three children and the one pictured lives in the same city as I. This cute little fellow just turned two and has definitely made me step into a motherly role with him.

My sons are finally at self-sufficient ages and here comes Pookie. Pookie, where did you come from? Pookie what do you need from me? Pookie, do you want a cookie? Pookie, what am I supposed to do with you? Pookie, why are you looking at me? Pookie, when am I supposed to baby-sit you? What? Pookie, you aren't potty-trained yet? Pookie, I love you, but good grief!

May God bless the Mothers of infants and toddlers. I've been there, done that, and have two t-shirts, but Pookie is here, so I guess I'm starting over!