Saturday, August 31, 2019

Mommin' and Ministry

As I leave the family campsite this morning at 6:30 a.m., all dressed up to be the presiding minister at church this morning, I am feeling conflicted.

I went to sleep 1st last night, while others stayed at the campfire and giggled together. 

I am driving back to town for worship, by myself, as my family still sleeps peacefully in the camper. 

Last night I was feeling guilt about leaving early. I was having thoughts about my kids growing up so quickly and that they may not be willing to camp with us too much longer. I would be missing family breakfast at the picnic table and fishing and how could I have double booked myself in a manner that would cause me to miss some family time.

But this morning, as I drive, I feel excited. Excited to preside at worship. Excited to sing loud praises on this beautiful day. Excited to have the ability to set this example for my children and have them see me creating a balance between being mom and being me! 

Signs of God's beautiful creation were everywhere as I drove;  the Orange sunrise, caught between layers of clouds, and the deer standing in the road looking directly at me as if she had a message for me.

I watched this sunrise caught between two layers of clouds, and I thought to myself, 'that is how I feel sometimes, caught between two things'.  Caught between two passions really, motherhood and ministry.  And by "ministry", I don't just mean leading worship at church; "ministry" includes volunteering at the food pantry, spreading love to those around you daily, and so much more.  


Those things, are what I am passionate about; serving others and being with my family. 

Have you felt torn between or stuck between two things before?  Or perhaps, even more than two? 

The message that I got from staring at this sunrise, was that the sun can still shine bright between the layers. No matter what is conflicting you or I, we still shine despite it!

What I felt as I drove, was peace because I am doing both things.  I am finding a way to balance both and still shine through as me. You can too! 

Just believe in yourself and the path laid out for you each day.  Seize the opportunities and balance the rest! 

Us moms can do a lot of things. Strong women can accomplish so much.  Trust me, you can figure out a way to gain healthy balance between whatever the things tearing you in different directions are! 

Whether it's mommin' and ministry, career and family, caregiver and athlete, we've got this ladies and we can create balance to enable to to do all that we love!