Post 200

All too often mothers I know are defined only by their motherhood and usually also by their wifedom.  I have fallen into this seemingly fulfilling world where life revolves around your encouragement as a spouse, and your ability to rear respectful, intelligent and fun children. These things are extremely important, and I do not intend to undervalue them. I am thrilled to be both a wife and a mother. I enjoy it immensely, and this contributes to how easy it is to fall into thinking that is my only identity- wife and mother.

First and foremost I should be striving to be the woman God intended me to be. This does include my current occupations and duties, as I believe both marriage and parenthood are callings from Him. However, I truly believe God asks more of us- or at least of me. He would not have given me strengths in creativity, practicality, music or the ability to teach if He wanted my life to be completely engrossed in just two things. Another thing to consider here is that while both the "supportive wife" and the "loving mother" role are crucial to His Kingdom purpose, so are things such as expressing myself creatively to glorify Him; helping others learn a more efficient or safe way of doing things;  blessing others and God with songs of praise, and teaching the seemingly unteachable.

It is difficult for me to not feel guilty about taking time to enjoy doing things other than being a homemaker. I feel wrong somehow about having fun outside of the home. This is false guilt. God made me this way, and I should feel encouraged to honour him in all that I do.

Rob is great- he recently rearranged our bedroom while I was outside so we'd have room to leave up the easel for a while. He also brought me home a notebook (it's actually a lab book, but still, thoughtful) so I could do some creative writing when I have some downtime. I so appreciate having a spouse who thinks proactively about not just my needs, but my desires.  So Rob, when you read this, thank you!

I'll keep you posted on how this goes. I know this isn't really a coherent blog post but I am rambling for a purpose! I am learning and growing every day and I want to encourage you to do the same.