Working Moms

Jeanette Berry

My friend gets up at 4:00 am, and drops her daughter off at before-school day care by 6:30 in order to get to her job on time. After work there are additional meetings to attend, and dance class, (pick up pizza on the way) and on home to face the routine of household chores. Five days a week this is repeated. Saturdays are reserved for shopping, laundry, and cleaning house. TIRED seems to be the buzz word for today's woman.
I often wonder where my friend find time to take care of herself, commune with her God, or find time to just enjoy her husband and family. 

All of us find ourselves in this harried pace.  We must stop and ask ourselves what is so important that we sacrifice ourselves in such a manor and then decide how do we stop this rat race and get our perspective back?

I believe one of the first objectives is to establish our goals. Take a realistic look at what we want out of life --And why. My husband once gave me a short outline on serving God. I've found it works in other areas, too.

1. Be Sensible. God doesn't expect one person to do all the jobs.
2. Be Selective. Since you can't do everything, seek God's guidance in your decisions and take the ministry He gives.
3. Be Single-minded. Fulfill your ministry. Whatever you do, give your best. 

Now let's put that little outline to practical use; Be sensible, selective and single-minded.

• If your goal is a career, then you should consider postponing having a family until you are prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with them. You can expect 18 to 20 years of the most rewarding of careers as these children pass through your life. During that time the demands of child raising is indescribable.
• If you have as your objective to create a happy nurturing home for your children, then you are going to need a new perspective. Rarely can a woman contribute 100% to her husband and children and give 100% to her job or career at the same time. James 1:8 states that "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways…", or to put it in more up-to-date terms, "you can't ride two horses at the same time!"

Too often there are circumstances forcing a mother to do just that, but I am sure that even she will freely admit it is almost impossible. 

Jesus, Others, and You, What A Wonderful Way to Spell JOY is the title of a song I learned as a child. Put Jesus first, in your mind and thoughts, ministering to others follows and think of yourself last. Yes, Jesus tops all of my lists and I know putting Him first is a prerequisite to a fulfilled life. But I have problems with the next order. I firmly believe that a woman who does not care for herself will not be able to adequately minister to the needs of others. As an example, what happens in your home when mom has a headache, or the flu, or is just bone tired? My order is: (1) God, (2) my personal care, (3) my husband, (4) my children, (5) my home, and then (6) what I call "outreach" - ministering to others. As time and energy run out, it is not the most important ones that pay the price. Of course, there are times when things can be combined. As I walk on the treadmill, I listen to the Bible on CD or pray. I can meet the needs of my husband with the children or caring for the home. I can enjoy the fellowship of a friend as I run errands, etc.

If you are sensible, selective and single-minded, you can go a long way toward easing the stress of your busy days.

Copyright © 2008 Truth Helpers Inc.