The Joys and Challenges of Motherhood
As a mom, I often find myself struggling to balance the demands of parenting with my own desires and needs. One of the biggest challenges I face is putting meals together that everyone will eat. But beyond the practical struggles, I’ve come to realize that my biggest struggle is my own tendency to play the blame game when things don’t go as planned.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Despite the challenges, I’ve found that motherhood is a journey worth taking. When our doorbell rings, my preschool-aged son shrieks with excitement, eager to see who’s visiting. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of hospitality and the joy it brings to our home.
Practical Tips for Moms
So, how do I balance keeping my home ready for hospitality with being present with my kids? For me, it’s about prioritizing what’s truly important and being intentional with my time. I’ve also learned to appreciate the simple things, like making notes on my phone throughout the day and writing in the evenings when my kids are in bed.
Supporting Missionary Wives and Mothers
As a missionary wife and mother myself, I’ve been blessed by the support of our church community. They ask about my well-being and offer specific ways to support me, even spoiling me with treats in the mail. It’s a reminder that encouragement is mutual, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share about the things God is doing through the women in our local church.
Raising Children Far from Family
Raising children far from the support of family can be challenging, but I’ve found that our local church community has become like a second family to us. As one Kenyan sister put it, “You all have been my mothers, my fathers, my brothers, and my sisters.” It’s a testament to the power of community and the importance of finding support wherever we are.
Balancing Social Media and Motherhood
Social media can be both a blessing and a distraction for moms. While it’s helpful to connect with others and find community, it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game or spend too much time scrolling through feeds. For me, it’s about being intentional with my time and using social media to invest in people, rather than simply socializing.
Recommended Reading for Moms
One book that has been a huge encouragement to me as a mom is “Not By Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith” by Jon Bloom. It’s a collection of short reflections from God’s Word that have helped me to see eternity in the midst of everyday life.
Finding Time to Write
As a busy mom, finding time to write can be a challenge. But for me, writing is a way to process my thoughts and emotions, and it’s essential to my well-being. I make time to write by hunting down moments throughout the day and prioritizing my writing time in the evenings.
One-on-One Time with Each Child
Spending one-on-one time with each of my kids is an ongoing pursuit and a creative art. I’ve been inspired by the example of Jonathan Edwards, who made time to enter into the feelings and concerns of his children each night. It’s a reminder that quality time with our kids is not just about checking off a list, but about building relationships and creating memories.
Why Have Kids?
Some people might say, “Why have kids? Say goodbye to your life!” But I would say that having kids is worth it, every time. It’s a journey that requires sacrifice and humility, but it’s also a journey that brings immense joy and fulfillment. As C.S. Lewis put it, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Our children are our littlest neighbors, and they deserve our love, care, and attention.
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