I am a busy woman, as I am sure most of us are. This year, I am now a mother of four children! (Honestly, who would have thought?) Steve, my husband, and I often find ourselves saying, “I can’t believe we are parents to four children – and to have twins – God must have a big plan for us!” Being a mum, a wife, daughter, sister, friend and business owner is a hard gig. It’s not easy; at times I just want to sit and cry – or even scream! As I feel myself wanting to explode, I just keep reminding myself to stay strong, remind myself I am only given what I can handle, I can do this or, as Dory (from Finding Nemo) often says: “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” Obviously God has big plans for myself and my family and He must think I have a huge capacity. I often refer back to the verse in Isaiah 40 that says, “..but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I reckon I have this verse play in my head many times a week just to keep myself going. I often will hear someone say to me, “I don’t know how you do it!” Honestly, I don’t know either: it’s definitely the grace of God getting me through. How many of us mums have felt the ‘mother guilt?’ This was a constant companion of mine for a while there, trying to figure out a work/life balance whilst still enjoying my children and meeting their needs. I honestly feel guilty every now and then, especially when work is busy and it seems my kids are always in day care. I often find myself wishing I didn’t have to work and just be a stay-at-home mum. Then I would picture what that would look like, and I can just see images of me banging my head on the kitchen bench or pulling my hair out. I am just not that type of person. Some women seem to have that gift where they are well equipped for the challenges that come with being a stay-at-home mum. (I will give a quick shout out to all the stay-at-home mums: my hat goes off to you! It really does! I think you are amazing! I seriously would go bonkers being at home with my kids 24/7. It is just not me.) Whilst occasionally flirting with the picture of what my life would be like as a stay-at-home mum, I realise I have been given an opportunity to run my business as a frontier. I’ve been given the skills which help me interact and communicate with many different people each day within my community. This is where I have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life – even if it is a small difference. I’m planting seeds and hopefully, in time, I can help someone find their way. I “press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) As women, we are on this earth for a short period of time to accomplish God’s will in our lives. Our calling can be accomplished no matter where we find ourselves, every day, in or outside the home. I believe, when we learn to trust in God to take care of our families, even when we are apart, we grow in our faith and He can use us to do great things. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) So, if my story can encourage any of my fellow sisters – especially the mums – be kind to yourselves. When you find yourself struggling, remind yourself, God has this. Trust in him. When it gets too much, make yourself a cuppa, sit down for 10 minutes and just be in His presence.
