“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”- Romans 8:28
Baby Matt turned 6 months- and OH MY BABY BOY we exited the infant stage crawling, quite literally, towards the full baby on the go milestones. He crawls, grabs, chews, sits up, climbs up and rolls off beds or changing tables if you let him. My husband and I already lowered his crib to that lowest big boy setting as our little man now pulls up and stands by holding the railing. My Rolly-Polly active dude I already know is going to keep his poor momma on her toes (definitely going to knock off those pregnancy pounds)!
Watching my little mover go, I sincerely believe children thrive despite our failings. As a mother and a teacher I am a close friend to Mrs. Guilt married to Mr. Judgmental. She followed me to preschool where I constantly felt bombarded with those guilty feelings of not providing enough personalized care to 16 three year olds (4 with undiagnosed special needs my personal opinion) who I attempted to care for practically alone because my poor assistant dealt with severe health issues since day 1. As the new kid on the block, Mr. Judgmental visited the classroom in the form of parent scrutiny. Measured and found wanting of course, as any mother or teacher will always when closely examined, this morbid couple followed me constantly. Mrs. Guilt haunted me at home, as I watched my son’s runny nose, most likely acquired by being exposed to daycare, progress into thick green snot (now a sinus and ear infection). Of course she whispered, “If Matthew was at home with you taking care of him, he wouldn‘t be so sick and struggling to take long naps.” But then, by Divine Intervention, I am now a homemaker, here to nurture this “Gift From God” with the care only a mother can provide. However, mean Mr. Judgmental comes strolling in saying, “What about those three year olds you feel in love with? Weren’t you committed to pouring Christ’s love into his little ones?” Then ever the cruel Mrs. Guilt pipes in, “And, you not contributing financially leaving your poor husband to take on the burden of soul-provider is going to put a strain on your family!”
The burden of motherhood: being All Things- a doting wife, a fully involved mother and a successful provider. God is in three persons, not me. Excellence in all is impossible; sacrifices will be made. Guilt stalks the working mom and the stay at home mom because the truth is that our work always fails and we never fully measure up to the daunting task of raising small humans. However, the Trinity’s work in us always fulfills His purposes. So if God placed you at work: surrender to His Will and thrive. If God placed you at home: surrender to His Will and thrive. My dear mommas, He knit our children in our wombs- they really are His. This includes those three year olds I will miss teaching, and my little man who I’m grateful to be with. Whether at daycare or with home-care and despite my job and flaws baby Matt thrives because “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, those called according to his purpose.” So that kicks the dreaded couple Mrs. Guilt and Mr. Judgmental out the door of our homes and workplaces!
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