A few days ago I was having a conversation with a dear friend here in town about what success looks like as we parent. She is further down the road than I am in many ways in the journey of parenting. She said something along the lines of 'success can't just be measured by a clean house or well behaved kids.' I SO agree with her. I'm not sure I think about being a success on a daily basis, but there is an underlying question for me about if what I am doing is valuable. Yes, of course I think being a stay at home mom is important. Almost everything in my world has been simplified since motherhood. Daily routine: Pretty predictable and scheduled. Conversations: colors, shapes,animals,repeat, repeat. Prayer life: Lord, help me to be patient and kind. Help me to show your love to Brent, Chloe and others. You get the idea and many of you can relate. As I think through these things I am realizing that there is great success in simplicity. Simplicity isn't applauded usually. That is why I don't always like it. I miss feedback from others, people telling me I am skilled in this or that. Yet, in the simple things, the struggle to believe that what I am doing matters, I am finding joy. When I begin to live knowing that changing a diaper is serving God. I AM VALUABLE and SUCCESSFUL!
6 comments:
You got THAT right!
This whole defining success thing is so challenging! Good words. . . something to think about.
Thanks for your thoughts Jenni!
I like those thoughts about simplicity. You're right, it's not really applauded, but I think sometimes it should be. Thanks for sharing! I think you're a GREAT mama!
I love to read what you're thinking about, Jenni. I'm so glad you were able to feel some joy. I struggle with feeling appreciated and valued, too. What I've noticed with a second child and with Sophia growing up, is that I see who my children are turning out to be--and what a great role I have in that. Though I may not be the perfect parent, my children are lovely, so I must be doing something right. It's such a God-given gift to nurture the heart of a child. I imagine that you feel something similar when you witness Chloe be adorable.
even though i don't know what it's like from the mom perspective, i've had the EXACT same thoughts about my kids at school...sometimes i worry about being evaluated based on how my kids behave, which is a problem since the all have behavior disorders! it's much easier to judge parents, and teachers, than it is to actually parent or teach! i think of myself as successful when i have loved my kids well, whether that means spending some quality time really listening to them, supporting them through challenges, bearing their defiance with patience and gentleness, encouraging them, or even disciplining them. good thoughts, jenni!
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