I typically wear many, many hats in the span of a week.
I am a prayer group leader (and participant), boot camper, chef, Girl Scout leader, Lego League coach, Gifted and Talented Parent Representative, and school volunteer. That does not even include the standing responsibilities of wife, mom, daughter, friend, car pool driver, household manager, calendar keeper, block party organizer, and sports scheduler! Every day I am required to use both my “Adult“ wisdom and “Mommy” wisdom. And yes, I think they can be separate. On a great day – they are one in the same.
It was on one particular week when our community was going through a time of loss that I truly saw God’s gift of wisdom in my life with my eyes wide open.
Our priest gave a sermon on wisdom and it struck a chord. As I thought about what was being said, I was able to recognize the wisdom from God operating at various times of my life. I recalled various people who I have come across that have been given wisdom as well. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spiritdistributes them.There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyoneit is the same Godat work.Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,to another a message of knowledgeby means of the same Spirit,to another faithby the same Spirit, to another gifts of healingby that one Spirit,to another miraculous powers,to another prophecy,to another distinguishing between spirits,to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,and to still another the interpretation of tongues.All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I’m relishing the blessing of being a stay-at-home parent, even amidst the chaos of little ones (and big ones). I chose to be at home and am very thankful that I can be. All my previous paid jobs, from a pizza maker to a small law firm manager to a human resource manager in advertising had a purpose. These positions and the people encountered along the way help assemble and build my talents of time management, my people skills, and my love for community, all of which further enhance my time as a stay-at-home parent.
There were days, and there will be many more, that I feel I am not being utilized to the best of my ability.
On those days in my journey I can know that God has me right where he wants me. I can also be encouraged by the hope that:
- · One or more of my car pool charges will feel secure that I’m always going to be on time.
- · My Girl Scouts will be so comfortable with me that they’ll trust me enough to share an issue that they’re having at school.
- · My children’s friends will take comfort in me if hurt at a practice that their parent was not able to attend.
- · My children know that someone is always waiting for them at home and ready to hear, heal, and feed them upon arrival.
- · My efforts in community service will inspire someone to make a difference – small or large.
- · As a Home and School representative I will make a difference in a student’s life.
- · My husband, children, parents, and friends know that I pray for them often and do my best to serve each one.
Yes, I am able to see that wisdom is prevailing in my life and I’m thankful for it through and through. We all want the best for our families and through the wisdom of God; it can be achieved.
No matter what you do, it matters, so get on out there and do what you do best.
What do you do for others that you think matters most?
NOTE: let me not offend any working parent whether you are there by choice or need. I find what you do remarkable. And I know we are all capable of loving and serving our families greatly.
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Jennifer Pine lives in New Jersey and is a "household manager to her husband of 15 years and two kids" – i.e., stay-at-home mom. She is passionate about teaching kids of any age to do good for others and uses the Community Service Committee at the schools as a primary forum. Jennifer tries more to be her children’s parent than their BFF, enabling them to become independent so they will be successful adults.
photo credit: Mark Mrwizard via photopincc