I guess I'm feeling like I have something to offer though and something to sacrifice. I don't want these years to go by and solely focus on my family, although I have every right to do that. I feel that there is space, though, space for something else, some thing that stretches me, some thing that causes me to trust Jesus more and more (as if having a kid hasn't done that already, right?!!), some thing that I will be able to look back on years from now and know that this time wasn't just spent doing laundry and meeting friends for coffee, but that I devoted time to pursuing Jesus in a way that wasn't about me. I don't know if I'm expressing myself adequately right now and I hope I'm not offending any other stay at home moms. I only know what I feel and I feel like God is calling me to some thing. What that thing is...I don't know yet. I'm praying God reveals it before I finish the book!
I'll keep you posted.
he also wrote "Jesus for President". one of my favorites. you should check it out.
I'm on the last chapter of that book! It is a challenging book to read because it's so convicting. I don't agree with everything Shane says, but so much of it is dead on.
I don't think you're offending any of us stay-at-home moms. When I first left work to stay home with Noel I had a really hard time because up until then I felt such a fulfillment through my career, felt like I was really showing God's love in the public school system, and then that was gone. But I am so thankful that I get to stay home (with 2 kids now)and I have gotten to be a part of some amazing ministry opportunities because I am home.
The one line that sticks with me from that book is when he says our goal in life is not to do great things, but to do small things with great love.
The crazy thing about motherhood is just when you think you have it figured out, they grow and change and it's a whole new ballgame. Enjoy the ride!!
What a great post, and challenging words. It IS so easy to just be home, raise our kids, keep the house work up, and feel like we have a free pass from God to not sacrifice our time and talents. I hear so many moms say that their mission field is their living room. Reading this makes me wonder how often that is an excuse.