What makes a woman a woman? I've often pondered this thought. I think because I had to go to work early on and really didn't get the opportunity to raise my kids, be a great homemaker or just put my husband at the top of the list. So, in essence, I put my career before all the things that were important.
When a man goes to work, he is working to provide. His duties are to go to work, make the money and come home. For a woman, we are pulled in every direction. And I believe we lose ourselves in the journey. Why? Because we strive to be like men and guess what? We aren't.
Our roles have changed through the years. I'm not saying it's a bad thing in some respects. But did we truly win with women's lib? I doubt it. Yes, we get to have great jobs and use our brains but we have suffered in our course to find true success. Men aren't men anymore and we are confused, stressed and often sad because we aren't great at anything.
I heard my boys talking about my sister-in-law at the dinner table last night. They were saying how her cooking had greatly improved and her desserts were to die for. If I have an hour to throw something together, I'm lucky. I made a commitment to cook every night so that my family would have what I had growing up. Of course, my mom had hours to prepare it and I have minutes. You try to make a wholesome meal in an hour, especially when your crew doesn't like casseroles!
As I sat there, I started to feel a little bad because I'm not doing everything she can. I had to stop myself and realize that my path isn't her path. God put me on this road for a reason and I need to do the best I can with the time I have. I wonder if any of you are feeling the pressure? Do you ever feel lost between your career and your family? I'm sure I'm not the only one. And then of course, there's the stay-at-home mom that wishes she could escape for a few minutes and be an adult.
Each path will be defined by what we have to do in this life. If you are making the sacrifice to stay home, every minute that you are, you are giving someone the chance to develop normally. You are giving them the opportunity to come home to someone that loves them and you will reap the reward some day. If you're in my shoes and are working for a living, realize that you can still be there for your family and work hard. Paths are different but it's how we handle our path that will matter in the end.
I have learned that I can't covet what I don't have. I often daydream about what it would have been like to be at home with my boys and what I wouldn't have lost if I could have been there. But then I take a step back and realize, my mom and dad helped me raise them and teach them more things than I could of anyway. I love my husband and my boys with all my heart. I can't go back; I simply must go forward.
Whatever road you have to walk, I hope you stay contented. God provides in the most mysterious ways. I have learned that if I will just take the time to look for Him, He's there. We might not be the picture of the family I had in my head but we are a family because of Him. I owe God many things, provision, grace, love and commitment. I didn't deserve to have Him walk me down my path but He has and for that, I will ever be thankful.
So, no matter what you're doing today, thank Jesus for being with you. I can't change my past but I can be thankful for it. My boys are growing up and they are doing well. I hope when they look back they will see I did my very best and that although I couldn't always be there; I gave them all I could.
I just want to take a moment to honor every woman, whether you are a grandmother, mother or young woman. You are the fabric of this society. I lift you up in prayer and ask Jesus to help you be contented wherever you are.
Job 14:17 NKJV:
My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You cover my iniquity.
Psalm 27:1 NKJV:
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Ephesians 5:13 NKJV:
But all things that are exposed are made manifests by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
1 Corinthians 7:20 NKJV:
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
My prayer today:
Lord, thank You for always helping me look forward. The past is gone and in its place is You. I am thankful that when I begin to feel less significant, You cover me and make me whole. I'm not perfect and I have sinned many times over but when I ask for forgiveness, You forgive. I pray for every woman, in every nation, and ask that You would cover them today. You know the thoughts of women everywhere. Give us a heart that will fulfill Your commission and help us raise the next generation. Correct our thoughts and make them Yours and always help us do the right thing. We need You in our lives, correcting us, loving us and covering us. We are nothing without You. Our future success lies in Your hands, whether it's with our families, friends, or careers, we need You to light our way. You are the beacon in the night and we cling to You. Thank You for calling us, we worship You! In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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