Friday, March 7, 2014

Daily Challenges of a SAHM

This past week has been a trying one for me, mentally and physically, and everywhere in between, but so many in my life are fighting battles right now, which are far bigger than my petty woes.  I have tried to remain quiet regarding my issues and spend my time in prayer to get me through it.  By the time today (Friday) rolled around, everything seemed to mellow out.  On Wednesday this week my husband reminded me about reading a daily devotional we get through our church called "Baptist Bread."  The particular devotion for Wednesday, March 5, has proven to be another message sent by the Father Himself!

The Scripture featured was 1 Thessalonians 5:24-Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

The author of the exerpt given is Mrs. Valerie Basham, who is a pastor's wife in Lawton, Oklahoma.  (By the way, I hope I don't get in trouble for mentioning this particular devotion from "Baptist Bread," but it really struck my heart!).  She gave a very personal testimony of how God has worked in her life.  She gave her life to the Lord when she was 16.  For the longest time, she felt like she was unqualified to be an example for young women and ladies to follow, as well as being as pastor's wife.  But God would inevitably put her in that very role later on in life.  She stated she finally understood why God made her a pastor's wife as well as a mother.  Those were both two jobs which always seemed to make her self-conscious and feel inadequate.  She really drove it home for my husband and I with this next sentence--

"Because of my inadequacy, I tend to seek His help more than if I worked at something I'm naturally good at...The Lord is pleased when I depend totally on Him."

Now, I'm not a pastor's wife, but I can certainly relate two roles in my life to Mrs. Basham's.  I am a mother too, and every day brings a new challenge.  Each of my children is a unique individual, while sharing some characteristics.  But when I really look at how important it is that I represent my role in my little family, I do feel a little overwhelmed.  I will delve into that in a separate post...

Another role I have taken on is that of a home educator.  One and a half years ago, I left my retail job of 14 years.  I liked my job and worked very hard at it.  I finally received a promotion in early 2012 and a couple months later my husband and I found out we were expecting our third child.  By the time summer began, the Lord was working on my heart.  Who would I leave my kids with, as they weren't quite school age?  Could we really afford daycare?  Did we want strangers raising our children?  My husband and I talked about it and prayed about it, and through grace and faith, God gave us the opportunity and the courage to allow me to stay at home with my kids.  Giving up my work identity was a big step for me and took a lot of getting used to.  Until now, my life was built up around this gigantic warehouse and its employees, some of whom were more than friends, they were an extended family.  But I quickly found myself assuming the role of home educator for our preschool aged son.  It has been an adventure for us both and this fall his younger sister will join us.

I know I may have over-explained myself, but these are two areas in my life in which I personally find myself feeling inadequate and wondering if I made the right choice.  Every day I feel challenged and I do ask God to show me that this is where I am meant to be.  Mrs. Basham's post made me feel better knowing I wasn't alone and it is a reminder that I need to rely more on the Lord.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  Philippians 4:13. 

The role of a mother and teacher is very important.  Not only are my husband and I training our kids, but I am also shaping the foundation and building blocks of their educations.  Everyday I am terrified, yet honored by the privilege.  I pray every day for wisdom and strength for myself and all others who need to be reminded that they are never alone because the Lord is always with us.

I hope this helps someone out there because it has helped me express myself :)

1 comment:

  1. I know what you are saying, Hillary! And I am so proud of you for taking on these roles and for seeking the Lord's leading everyday! You are an amazing young lady and I know God will bless your faithfulness!

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