For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
As I reflect on what kind of mom I am I must consider where I get the measuring stick I use to determine how I’m doing, how far I’ve come, and what things I need to work on. If I use ever-changing, multiple-perspective worldly measures, I’d never have a settled identity as a mom. I’d never be confident as a mom, not knowing what different recommendation would come next. If I look to the infallible, never-changing Word of God, however, I can continue to grow in my abilities and confidence as a mom.
Paul used many words to encourage a young Timothy, left in charge of a flock of new believers. As Timothy tried to guide these new believers as Paul guided him, he needed to know who he was, not in himself, but in Christ. The spirit that God gives us as believers includes power, love, and self-discipline. As a mom, these characteristics are very important.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
How do I measure?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
As I reflect on what kind of mom I am I must consider where I get the measuring stick I use to determine how I’m doing, how far I’ve come, and what things I need to work on. If I use ever-changing, multiple-perspective worldly measures, I’d never have a settled identity as a mom. I’d never be confident as a mom, not knowing what different recommendation would come next. If I look to the infallible, never-changing Word of God, however, I can continue to grow in my abilities and confidence as a mom.
Paul used many words to encourage a young Timothy, left in charge of a flock of new believers. As Timothy tried to guide these new believers as Paul guided him, he needed to know who he was, not in himself, but in Christ. The spirit that God gives us as believers includes power, love, and self-discipline. As a mom, these characteristics are very important.
As I reflect on what kind of mom I am I must consider where I get the measuring stick I use to determine how I’m doing, how far I’ve come, and what things I need to work on. If I use ever-changing, multiple-perspective worldly measures, I’d never have a settled identity as a mom. I’d never be confident as a mom, not knowing what different recommendation would come next. If I look to the infallible, never-changing Word of God, however, I can continue to grow in my abilities and confidence as a mom.
Paul used many words to encourage a young Timothy, left in charge of a flock of new believers. As Timothy tried to guide these new believers as Paul guided him, he needed to know who he was, not in himself, but in Christ. The spirit that God gives us as believers includes power, love, and self-discipline. As a mom, these characteristics are very important.
2 comments:
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Rosie said...
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I went to my first class of the summer session yesterday. The Prof. wanted to introduce everyone to each other. Others recounted their work accomplishments, personal lives, daily commutes to D.C, and so on. I proudly said that I’m a SAHM (stay at home mom) with three kids. You could here the crickets chirping. The Prof. moved on to someone else with out a comment, my neighbor asked if I wanted a job to “fill” my time. I laughed it off, but inside I was hurt. Do these people really not understand the importance of raising children? Yes, I lead my life with a different measuring stick; one that, by the worlds view, is not important, ridiculous, or just plain waist of time.
Later in the class the Prof. looked at me and asked if I had any goals. Could the beatings please stop!
My goals, my measuring stick, am I training my children the way God would have me to, am I loving/honoring my husband, is my family following the guidelines laid out in the bible, am I daily in prayer for me and my family and friends and do I exhibit the fruits of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22) Things that are eternal!!
:). . . I feel better now. -
July 10, 2009 at 10:58 AM
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Tracy Wainwright said...
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Wow! Just when I think the debate and bias and misperceptions about SAHMs are over, they creep up somewhere again. Good for you for being confident in what God's called you to do. It is truly amazing that fostering a wonderful relationship with and raising spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy children is not a worthwhile goal to people. Not to say that working moms can't also do so, but SOMEONE has to put the time in, and I'd rather it be and am fortunate enough for it to be me.
You should have asked your neighbor if she (assuming it's a she) wanted to come spend a few days with you so that she'd enjoy the vacation she has at work!
I think you just convinced me to keep my chapter on demolishing the at-home/at-work debate in my book. -
July 10, 2009 at 3:11 PM
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2 comments on "How do I measure?"
I went to my first class of the summer session yesterday. The Prof. wanted to introduce everyone to each other. Others recounted their work accomplishments, personal lives, daily commutes to D.C, and so on. I proudly said that I’m a SAHM (stay at home mom) with three kids. You could here the crickets chirping. The Prof. moved on to someone else with out a comment, my neighbor asked if I wanted a job to “fill” my time. I laughed it off, but inside I was hurt. Do these people really not understand the importance of raising children? Yes, I lead my life with a different measuring stick; one that, by the worlds view, is not important, ridiculous, or just plain waist of time.
Later in the class the Prof. looked at me and asked if I had any goals. Could the beatings please stop!
My goals, my measuring stick, am I training my children the way God would have me to, am I loving/honoring my husband, is my family following the guidelines laid out in the bible, am I daily in prayer for me and my family and friends and do I exhibit the fruits of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22) Things that are eternal!!
:). . . I feel better now.
Wow! Just when I think the debate and bias and misperceptions about SAHMs are over, they creep up somewhere again. Good for you for being confident in what God's called you to do. It is truly amazing that fostering a wonderful relationship with and raising spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy children is not a worthwhile goal to people. Not to say that working moms can't also do so, but SOMEONE has to put the time in, and I'd rather it be and am fortunate enough for it to be me.
You should have asked your neighbor if she (assuming it's a she) wanted to come spend a few days with you so that she'd enjoy the vacation she has at work!
I think you just convinced me to keep my chapter on demolishing the at-home/at-work debate in my book.
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