working mom

“Be His people in the world, ” Father Michael

We all want to be something, something more than we already are. But our motives are all certainly different. In the world, it is money and fame and self-absorption. We are propelled by always trying to be something more. The simplicity and teachings of the gospel are just too much for some with its anti-pop cultural message- the things of this world will pass away, but I will never pass away.

It is counter-intuitive to not want to get credit for our work. It doesn’t make sense to the world when believers sell everything and move halfway across the world to serve as missionaries. Many of us who are believers long for adventures like that, long for God to call us to bigger and better things, but alas, we are still in our minds “stuck” in our jobs and in our everyday lives, no “big” calling, no moving halfway across the world. This for many is disappointing. Looking around at our fellow congregants and saying to ourselves, “I wish that was me.”

I believe that so many times, the church ends up mirroring the world. We get caught up in our expectations of what God will do for us, how he will use us. We want to be pastors or deacons, ministry leaders, travel the world. And although these things may be the pathway for some, it is not for all. We are missing what God has for us right before our very eyes.

We don’t write to please others, or raise our children the way the world tells us. Our marriages are built on the foundation of Christ, not of the world. We are to be servants at our jobs, and forgive, and pray for those that have offended us and spitefully used us. We are to be light in the darkness.

Jesus did not have a formal ministry. He took the message into the world; He was among the people. God took on flesh to teach us what it was we needed to do. And those things are clear, seek the lost, preach the gospel at all times and live in the way He has called us. We have to stop looking at the way the world does business, stop bringing it into our churches. The call on your life is right where you are.

I have found that in that acceptance, there is so much freedom. I, like many can get carried away at times with where I think God should have me. But then I remember Mary at the wedding feast at Cana, “Do whatever He tells you.”

So if you are doubting your impact on your children as a stay at home mom, hate your job in the world, or simply are waiting on God to move you somewhere else, remember who you are serving, the seeds you are planting. It only takes one person to change the world. (Rest in heavenly peace Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

When I was a young mom and involved in a church my husband just happened to pastor, I thought I was really something. I thought that our decision for me to be a stay-at-home mom was the ultimate call of God on Christian mothers everywhere. I actually had the mindset that all moms should be doing this.

One day, after a church service, I saw a woman I hadn’t seen in a while. I liked her a lot. She had three lovely boys and they were awesome. Like me, she was a stay-at-home mom. Was. I asked, ever so cheerfully, how she had been doing. And this is when my perfect world crumbled……………

She began to tell me that a wonderful thing has happened. An answer to her prayers that set her free. I asked her to tell me. Excitement was rising in her voice and in my anticipation………

This is when she told me that she had been praying for a job. A what?? A job outside of the home. I think my mouth did one of those fall open and drool and no one but me noticed things. A job?? Yes, a job, she kept the excitement level up in her voice.

She went on about their need for more money and her desire to be outside the home and contribute. So she went looking and lo and behold, she was offered a great job. The whole family rejoiced.

I put on my Hollywood smile and hugged her and told her how happy I was for her (I think I missed my call on the stage). She went home and I went home…….. downcast and confused.

Let me take a side road here for just a second. One thing I am good at is taking my questions to the Lord. He and I just have a good thing together about asking and listening and getting answers. Trouble is, they may not always be the answers I was looking for.

Now, back on the main road……. I went home and asked him. Well, actually, I remember it well. I asked him before I even left the building. Something like this: “What were You thinking? How could that be Your answer to her prayers????? Huh????? Why did you let her take that job?????”

And right then the room faded away and I was there with the spot light on me – and Him – and He kindly said, “I let her have the job because that is where she is at. She asked me for a job.”

I remember saying, “What do you mean?” And He continued gently to tell me that He loves each of us so much. He let me stay at home with my kids because that is what I desired and what I wanted more than anything. Others want a career or a simple job.

I began to see a bit more clearly that day. I began to see a different perspective. More of God’s perspective. I didn’t know that woman very well. I didn’t know her dreams or desires or even how she is put together. Heck, I really don’t know how most people are built. Some can handle an intense career far easier than 24/7 diapers, bottle, crying, spitting – well, you get the picture. Some get total satisfaction from raising children. It doesn’t mean these parents don’t love their children less or more. It simply means God love each of us and He knows what is best for us at any given moment.

That half hour out of my life, years ago, changed me. To the good. I still think I’m really something, but I try really hard to see people as He does. It’s not easy. Especially when it’s turned around and others judge me and think they know who I am or how I’m bent. BUT, that lesson is alive and well and still at work in this imperfect person. It has helped me shake off any judgments that come at me – still not easy – but with the help of the One who answers my questions…… the One who let’s me ask questions …….. the One who answers me in a still small voice in my heart – I can love those I don’t understand.

Enjoy!