Tough Doings

There was a radio talk show I frequently listened to about ten to twelve years ago. One of the hostess’ lines was, “I am my kid’s mom.” Do you remember, Dr. Laura Schlessinger? Over time, her unfiltered thoughts have gotten her in some hot water, but back then she was entertainingly edgy. I was a very young mom, starting off at the tender age of twenty. Like most moms, I wanted to do everything right. No, I take that back. I wanted to do everything perfect. Therefore, I felt a sense of approval from listening to Dr. Laura’s radio program, because I was indeed, “my kids’ mom.” I had the privilege of working part time in our family business, and either taking my babies with me, or my own mom staying home with them.

This arrangement was nothing of my own doing. It was an opportunity placed before me when my husband and I were discussing starting a family. It was none other than a magnificent blessing. But I’m just going to be honest; there can be an attitude of superiority that accompanies the privileged stay-at-home mom. It’s the notion that stay-at-home moms are doing and sacrificing the most for their children, that they are truly putting their kids above everything else. Having been on both sides of this fence, I know that in all reality, being a stay-at-home mom is not based on how important the role of being a mother is to someone. Of course, it’s the most important role of all. But there are numerous factors that play into what we do with our time as our children are growing up. And it all boils down to what God has called us to do.

James 4:13-17 13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (NLT)

This is not a post about working moms versus stay-at-home moms. This post is about doing what we know God has called us to do. And that’s not always obvious or easy. It takes prayer. Much prayer. Continual prayer, long into the time we are walking out what God has placed before us.

And prayer is what got me to work three days ago. I had enjoyed my monthly eight-day stretch off, and during that time, found out that Brooklyn, my twelve year-old, was ready to get her braces off. The earliest appointment was the day I was scheduled to go back to work, and there were no appointments the following week available that coincided with the days I was off to take her. I didn’t want her to have to wait for that momentous occasion, so her Grandma took her and shared that incredibly exciting time with her.

My prayer that Thursday morning, started off a bit whiny. It went something like, “Lord, I know You’ve called me to take care of the sick babies today, but why couldn’t Brooklyn have been ready to get her braces off on a day that I could take her? I’m so sad to miss this moment with my only daughter. Please help me to focus on You and what You have for me to do with this day.”

I got to work and was assigned a fourteen day-old baby that was born sixteen weeks and three days too soon. My petty issues melted as I received report and began my assessment to care for a baby with head, heart, lung and bowel problems. This baby’s parents came to visit, standing at that isolette, yearning for a positive report. It’s so very uncertain if they’ll ever have the blessing of taking their precious gift home. And there my day started with a prayer over silly braces. I got to walk in the door that night and see my daughter’s beautiful new smile. Today, I don’t know if that family will get to experience such an encounter with their baby.

I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God has called me to be a nurse, but still yet, I pray. It’s a constant evaluation, and I don’t believe it will ever be easy. And why should it be so? Since when was following the will of God easy?

CT Studd said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”

Yes, I’m still my kids’ mom, but yes, even above that, I’m pursuing the Master’s Plan. I place my continual trust in His hands regarding my children. I know that He can do more in their life than I could ever do on my own, if I follow what He wants me to do in mine.

Not an easy plan, but the better one. HIS always is.