I have seen it over and over again, in my life and the life of other wives. We get so caught up in our "roles" as wife, mother, daughter, minister ... completing the daily actions on automatic. Mistaking "duty completed" for "purpose fulfilled". Somewhere in the process of "everyday life" we step behind the shadow of the fullness of God's purpose for our life instead of in front of it. A shadow, not allowing our light to truly shine in all we do. Sporadically feeling the passion and happiness of life only because it is on the "To Do List". How does that happen?
I was having a very candid conversation about this enigma with a sister of mine. She is a wife, mother, career woman and a work in progress too! Here is what we concluded thus far:
1) Happiness is your responsibility. Single or married, somehow we can get caught up in thinking that having a husband will make you happy, and it won't ! Don't get me wrong marriage is definitely a blessing that God uses to add happiness to you. However there is a deeper level of joy that only Jesus can give.
2) You can have it all... Just not all at the same time. God did not make us linear, simple beings. Just as we are different things to different people ( a daughter, a friend , a mother, a wife) . So are you at different stages, in different seasons in your life. Respect the season and flow with its appointed grace.
3) Grow, evolve, elevate ... I remember the first year my little girl went to school. After being primarily an at home mom for 3 years, I found myself in a panic, wondering what was my purpose. Then God told me to take a breath and get my life! He reminded me that the call on my life has not changed. He also reminded me how He impressed upon me to invest in myself still, even in "mommy" season. I didn't obey, I figured that wasn't priority. Fast forward to my mini break down moment... Who's fault was it? We must develop ourselves; the gifts, talents, relationships, etc.that God has blessed us with. Invest in our own lives. To serve effectively you must be the best you, you can be.
4) Don't forget romance...don't forget the person our husband fell in love with. The light hearted , fun, adventurous, maybe even quirky woman who captured his heart. Remember to be just you.
5) Keep first things, first ... Always make your prayer life and time in the word priority. I don't know how to explain it. It is supernatural. When you make God your priority everything else falls into place.
Love you sincerely ... Until next time !!!
