Titus 2

Many years ago a friend challenged me to read Titus 2...and take a look at God's instructions for young woman. Have you read it lately? It is good stuff...I just read the book "Feminine Appeal" by Carolyn Mahanney- I highly recommend it! It goes through Titus 2 and gives some practical and challenging direction as to how to live it out. One big thing that I took from it is-- since I am to be my husband's help meet- do I consider him when I make decisions...do I consider how my decisions will help or hinder him, even when they appear to not have much to do with him. For example, I thought I should volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School at church...but then I realized: a) it was during my husband's busy time b) what would I do with Banner? c) I probably need to wait a year or two until Banner is old enough to go and then I can help. Even though it seemed "noble" to help with Bible School, it was not What my hubby or youngest child needed during this season of life. Had I paused for a bit to consider this I would have saved myself the embarrassment of having to go back and say "No, I am sorry, I can't help now".
So often we let "mommy guilt" rule us...trying to please others out there, when really our focus should begin with- what does God want me to do, and how will this affect my husband and kids? I was feeling discouraged the other day, wondering why God has given me songs, devotions ideas, creativity, etc. when the door seems to be pretty closed to use these talents outside our home...a dear friend reminded me that there will most likely come a day (when my kids are grown) when God will open the door for those things to be used for Him more publicly...but not right now.
Right now my life is full of three loud voices asking me "why, what next, and what"; six hands that are learning how to give great back-rubs; three growing minds hungering for knowledge, truth, and understanding; thirty toes and thirty fingers that need to be clipped; three poopy bottoms that need attention -sometimes all at the same time; three strong wills needed to be trained, disciplined, and nurtured; three precious hearts that are strengthening, shaping, and melting my own.
This summer camp's theme verse is Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will." In our culture there is a pressure on females my age (who are often moms with young children) to be successful in regards to career, schooling, achievements, etc. However, in light of this verse and Titus 2 I believe that God has a much different plan, but one that is so fulfilling, rewarding, and important. Take in Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Isaiah 55:6-11 also...God loves you and He is so much wiser than us. His plans are good- not designed for our comfort but for our conformity to His good, pleasing, and perfect will. It would be "easier" in some ways for me to have a career outside the home instead of having a "career" inside the home, but inside I am learning so much about my need to change, grow, and be transformed. My prayer is for the Holy Spirit to use this however He wants. My intent is to share what He is teaching me and hopefully exhort us all to take one step closer to Him. Be encouraged moms of young ones- our time is now -to invest in our family and by doing so, impact the world and Christ's kingdom.:)