For the first time that I can remember, I have minimal weekly commitments. I work in an office for a few hours each week, try to attend church on Sunday, and try to make it to a playgroup on Wednesday mornings, but that's pretty much it. Oh, and I have zero evening commitments.
My days consist of waking up early with Olivia, feeding/clothing/changing her, preparing meals for our family, running errands between her naps, working while she rests, and going for walks and playdates with other mommies while she is awake. It's pretty simple, and it all revolves around our home. This season has been such a change of pace for me. Historically I overjam my calendar and then stress about how in the world I am going to get it all done.
Most days, I love my life, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I cherish the privilege of being the one who is able to experience each milestone and moment - however seemingly insignificant - with my daughter. However, there are also days when I look at social media and feel "behind," like I am missing all of these opportunities to learn, grow and socialize. I see friends who are working more, attending multiple Bible studies and events each week and going out with each other at night.
God spoke to me about this recently through three great reads: The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst, a blog post by Tindell Baldwin, and Life on Mission by Aaron Coe and Dustin Willis. He reminded me through each of these pieces that I am where I am (in "Babyworld," as Baldwin described it) for a reason.
TerKeurst said that every "yes" means saying no to something else, and we need to make sure that we are saying yes to the things that God has prepared just for us. Engaging in more of what I see friends doing in my newsfeed would mean saying no to my sweet daughter or to rest, which is critical in order to be at my best to serve my family during this season. I feel called to be her main caretaker right now, so I need to make sure that each "yes" I am saying does not interfere in significant ways with that primary assignment.
There are also specific people I am encountering and have the opportunity to minister to because I'm saying yes to this season, Coe and Willis reminded me. I've met some great moms at some of the playgroups, classes and playgrounds I visit with Olivia. The park bench is my mission field right now, and so is my daughter! What an opportunity to speak into her heart and the hearts of the moms around me. I just have to be aware of these opportunities and be willing to invest when they present themselves.
Maybe this season has less recurring appointments on the iCal, and even fewer that require me to change out of my sneakers. That's okay - I'm not missing out. I'm being obedient where I am called, and where I am is rich in opportunity and blessings. Watching my daughter take her first steps? Priceless. Being able to talk about Jesus with another mom? A great seed. I'm thankful that God reminded me to stay in my own lane, and I'm even more thankful for all of the gifts He has waiting for me here.
My days consist of waking up early with Olivia, feeding/clothing/changing her, preparing meals for our family, running errands between her naps, working while she rests, and going for walks and playdates with other mommies while she is awake. It's pretty simple, and it all revolves around our home. This season has been such a change of pace for me. Historically I overjam my calendar and then stress about how in the world I am going to get it all done.
Most days, I love my life, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I cherish the privilege of being the one who is able to experience each milestone and moment - however seemingly insignificant - with my daughter. However, there are also days when I look at social media and feel "behind," like I am missing all of these opportunities to learn, grow and socialize. I see friends who are working more, attending multiple Bible studies and events each week and going out with each other at night.
God spoke to me about this recently through three great reads: The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst, a blog post by Tindell Baldwin, and Life on Mission by Aaron Coe and Dustin Willis. He reminded me through each of these pieces that I am where I am (in "Babyworld," as Baldwin described it) for a reason.
TerKeurst said that every "yes" means saying no to something else, and we need to make sure that we are saying yes to the things that God has prepared just for us. Engaging in more of what I see friends doing in my newsfeed would mean saying no to my sweet daughter or to rest, which is critical in order to be at my best to serve my family during this season. I feel called to be her main caretaker right now, so I need to make sure that each "yes" I am saying does not interfere in significant ways with that primary assignment.
There are also specific people I am encountering and have the opportunity to minister to because I'm saying yes to this season, Coe and Willis reminded me. I've met some great moms at some of the playgroups, classes and playgrounds I visit with Olivia. The park bench is my mission field right now, and so is my daughter! What an opportunity to speak into her heart and the hearts of the moms around me. I just have to be aware of these opportunities and be willing to invest when they present themselves.
Maybe this season has less recurring appointments on the iCal, and even fewer that require me to change out of my sneakers. That's okay - I'm not missing out. I'm being obedient where I am called, and where I am is rich in opportunity and blessings. Watching my daughter take her first steps? Priceless. Being able to talk about Jesus with another mom? A great seed. I'm thankful that God reminded me to stay in my own lane, and I'm even more thankful for all of the gifts He has waiting for me here.
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