A Woman's Worth

"We live in a day when what you do equals who you are. A woman's worth is determined by her work's value and the amount she accomplishes. But a mother's work is never finished or is constantly coming undone, and few people reward or recognize the nurturing skills used in mothering."

(Believe it or not, this quote was taken from a Publix magazine that I get with recipes from time to time. I have since thrown it away, so I can't document the source!)

I have to be honest with you. Many times I find myself thinking, "I could get so much more done during the day if my kids didn't always need my attention."

Wow! While that thought is true, it is also so WRONG! It is so easy to get caught up in the world's mindset, my fleshly mindset, and think that I must accomplish something and have rewards for my daily labor.

As the day comes to a close, I can easily look around the house that was straightened, cleaned, even smelling good at one time during the day to see all my work undone and get discouraged or even frustrated at those who ruined my masterpiece (aka: a clean house).

Each day, and multiple times a day at that, I must ask the Lord to change my heart and redirect my focus from seeking after accomplishments to doing whatever the Lord has planned for me that day. He as given me 2 precious boys to love, enjoy, and share Jesus with. Whenever I feel myself get frustrated at having to constantly take care of children, play with toys, answer questions, change diapers...I have to ask the Lord to change my heart!

One day I will probably have a house that stays clean for longer than 10 minutes, a laundry pile that is easy to tackle, and even time to plant a beautiful garden to enjoy (one of my dreams). But at the same time I won't have little boys to laugh with, chubby babys legs to squeeze, or peaceful dreamers snug in their upstairs bedroom.

Cherish each moment!

"Pairing" Down

As I sit typing this, my house is full of piles. Each room contains its own. And although it looks chaotic, I know exactly where I want each pile to go. I'm just waiting for time to put it all away. Doing a little each day should get everything done, oh say, by the time we are ready to leave again.

As I go through all our belongings and look at the things I leave home so often, I realize that I really have more than I need. Like that pair of shoes that I have to go with that one outfit. You know what I mean, we all have things that we are waiting for just the right time to use. 

Let the purge begin! Time to go through all the closets, drawers, bookshelves...and maybe the attic if I think I can survive the heat. Purging can be tedious and not always my favorite thing to do. Purging can also be rewarding. Less stuff means not as much to dust or launder. Most importantly, I'm praying that God will direct me to who I can give our "stuff" to. We have been so blessed by friends who have given to us in this way. I can't wait to share the blessing.

Several years ago, I spent a few weeks in Panama. It was my first time to go outside of the country. It was also my first time to really see how blessed Americans are with ALL that we have. Coming away from that trip, I was determined not to be attached to accumulating possessions. It is so easy to loose site of that goal. Taking stock of what I have and what I don't really need keeps me in perspective.

What about you? Summer is a great time to purge your possessions. Pray that the Lord will direct you to give your "purge pile" to someone who needs it!