My New Mission

Working mom vs. full-time mom? That has been the question on my mind and heart since I found out I was pregnant, but even more so in these past few weeks since Lucy Mills was born. I have been an admissions counselor at Columbia College since I graduated in 2003. I love my job recruiting and counseling prospective students and working closely with current students. The college has been my home away from home for the past six years, not to mention my time I spent as a student before I began working. Needless to say, I knew this was going to be a difficult decision. Difficult, but easy at the same time.

You see all I have ever wanted is to be a wife and mother. In a society that does not always support or affirm women who devote themselves to full time motherhood, I have been hesitant to wholeheartedly embrace what I believe is God's design for our little family. After a lot of soul searching, praying, reading, and valuable conversations, I have decided to take on a new full time job. I want to commit to the mission of motherhood. I mean who would not want to be around this little munchkin all day???

I am so blessed to have a husband who supports and encourages this decision. God has also provided an amazing small group Bible study for me to be a part of during this new season in my life. Every Tuesday morning Lucy Mills and I meet with a group of moms and their little ones to both encourage one another and learn more about biblical motherhood. If anyone is interested to read the book we are doing it's called The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I have a link to her blog on my bloglist too. Since I began reading her book I have found even more joy and validation in my role as a mom. When the hours of my day seem to overflow with the tasks of changing diapers, making bottles, folding laundry, and emptying the dishwasher, I am reminded that this calling of making my home a haven and making sure my child feels loved and cared for are divine appointments that I can not take on lightly. I came across this poem that pretty much sums it up.

The Struggle

The stay at home Mom, a decision for thee,

or to chase a career, how selfish of me,

Investing in home time, will it ever pay,

a return on investment, seems so far away.

But God keeps whispering, to me admist the sounds,

that the little ones he gave, were to be loved with abound.

So I look to the Light, for guidance and to pray,

and counted each blessing, as they woke everyday.

In just a few years, the house will be silent,

And I'll yearn for the time I struggles within it.

What are you doing, the world wants to know,

just continuing the Struggle, God's plan for me now.

But strength and patience, where do I get it

when things go awry and He seems so distant.

It's then that God says, "have I got your attention?"

For you relied upon self, not by divine intervention.

The stay at home Mom, by design will have trouble,

But joined with God, it's a bearable Struggle.

There comes a day, when the Struggle pays off,

the investment at home, was not wasted or lost.

And when life is at end, "well done Mom" God will say,

"you raised your children in Christ, and taught them to pray.

And just as with you, I'll keep their Struggles within bare,

for they know My voice, and do My Will down there."

When He shows me a seat, next to His throne,

A star on my crown, will be for Stay at home Mom!