Today At the Well, they’re talking about the seasons of life and embracing them. I’m definitely in a new season, as I mentioned the other day. It’s humbling, exciting, and scary all at the same time. I know God has called us here for a purpose and that while the main reason we’re here is for Joe to go to school, but He also has plans for me.
The last few weeks I’ve been struggling and dealing with the feeling that I don’t have a specific purpose for our time in Louisville. I get to support my husband, manage our home, and take care of our son–all of which I’m blessed and glad to do, but still there are times when I’d love to be in “grander” things.
I know the privilege I have of being able to stay home and raise our little boy and the high calling motherhood is, and I wouldn’t change that for the world, but sometimes I buy into the scheme and lies of the world that there’s more to life than being a wife and mother. On one hand that’s very true and on the other not at all. In light of the gospel, the “more to life” is living unto God and serving him through holiness and spreading the Gospel. Whereas, the world’s “more to life” is to make much of oneself in career, possessions, and wealth.
My desire is to fully live life in this season God has called me, to be a wife and mother, pursuing personal holiness, and advancing the Gospel through my home and the people God brings into my life. Where I often struggle is maintaining that vision, which leads to frustration, failure, and discontentment.
My goals for embracing this season are
- to take advantage of the resources available to me through the seminary (classes, professor’s wives, the library, the experience of other women)
- to step out in faith when God tells me to talk or share life with others
- to grow in hospitality by opening my home, time, and resources to others
- to grow in supporting my husband
- to learn from other women who are where I will be one day (older moms, pastor/missionary wives)
- to enjoy this season of motherhood and learn to raise our son for God’s glory
- to learn contentment in all situations
That’s where I’m at today.
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Thanks so much for sharing! I agree with you that sometimes it’s so hard to maintain our vision where it should be. I am there with you, constantly trying to keep my eye on the prize, “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Thanks so much for sharing!
-Ashley
*By the way, I have a close couple friend and the husband is attending the SBTS. He is our youth pastor and him and his wife are preparing to go to mission field. What a small world!
This was a great post and it is so true of course that we are all in different seasons of our life. What struck me about yours was your willingness to serve and be used for Him even as you are busy with your son and house. In looking back I wonder if I was as willing as you were when I was in the midst of the season you are. I had 4 children and was often times overwhelmed with the “urgent” tasks at hand and seemed as though I had little energy or thought left over for much else. I admire and respect your heart to serve. I think your goal list is WONDERFUL and I will pray that God blesses it. Let me just say this too, not because I think you in any way need to hear it, but because it is something I always heard and never really bought when I was in the midst of raising my family…ENJOY every moment with your son, because in the blink of any eye he will be grown and gone. Have a great day…Blessings to you, Debbie
Thanks for the advice about enjoying very moment. People said that a lot when he was first born, but I didn’t take it too heart so much. But now that he’s almost one it’s crazy how fast the last year went!
One of the things God is showing me during this season of motherhood is that I have the amazing privilege of raising worshipers of God. Discipline problems…. another opportunity to direct my child’s heart towards God, washing dishes…. an opportunity for me to “do everything unto the Lord” and to demonstrate to my children that everything we do, if with a right heart, can honor God, mommy getting frustrated… an opportunity to model repentance and forgiveness. Thanks for your honesty, Jessica! I struggle with this daily as well. And I loved your goals… I think I’ll take some of them for myself.