The Secret Life of a Soccer Mom

So today I have a day off from teaching, and what a fun day it is. I got to have a root canal this morning! Actually it went really well, just a little pain and fatiuge afterwards. When I woke up from resting a while ago, I thought I would watch a little TLC while eating lunch and was really discouraged by an advertisement I saw for a new program. It's going to be called: The Secret Life of a Soccer Mom and basically it's goal is to show women everywhere all that they have missed out on by staying home to care for their families instead of pursuing a flourishing career! Just the advertisements made me sick! Each week, several women will be given the opportunity to leave their home and families to go pursue what they would have done had their lives not been "interrupted" by having a family. They will go apprentice for a hugely famous chef, work in the fashion industry or other such glamorous positions. This is the kind of program that I can imagine many a housewife sitting down to watch while her children are napping, only finding herself to sit in regret about those very children and how they "stole" her opportunity to make it big and pursue her life dreams! This show looks to me like it will show everything that is wrong with our modern society's disregard for the noble and biblical pursuit of motherhood. It looks dangerous! I do not have a husband or children myself, however as a teacher, I sometimes witness the fruits of these "career women" and the neglect that I see in their children's character and well-being as they chase after selfish pursuits of business and even charitable work. While I fully understand that some women must work outside the home (my own mother had no choice but to have a full-time job throughout my childhood), I also see many women who are filling up their lives with all kinds of things, whether it be a job or ministry opportunities that take them away from their families, which then leave their children without the proper support and training necessary in this godless society. Don't get me wrong, I see many promising visions of motherhood when I look at the biblically grounded women in my church. This is not a blanket condemnation of every woman I observe. However, I often see children who are passed over by their moms (who believe they are pursuing a good thing) and who then slowly begin to show the lack of disciplined time spent amongst family. It breaks my heart to see this, particularly among women who have the ability to stay at home. And let's face it: more women have the ability to stay home than do. Our ability is determined by our willingness to sacrifice. When did our personal dreams and desires outweigh the scriptural mandate as mothers to raise worshippers of God? That is the primary purpose in having children, is it not? When my mother had to spend her days working while I was growing up, we were in the care of our grandparents, who were faithful believers. They spent hours investing in us through teaching, talking, working on projects, taking us to see God's creation. Today, most children whose mothers work are left with babysitters, nannies, or childcare workers. There is a vast decline in the biblical training of children, which is quite obvious when you observe our current world, even the Christian world. So what if our children can spout off catechisms, scripture verses and doctrinal statements? Can they practice the selfless acts of discipline by learning responsibility, being trained to care for the home, giving of time and resources for the sake of the Gospel and simply learning what self-denial is? How can a child learn to deny himself when he sees a mother who denies herself nothing?

Update

So many things have been going on in my life these days, so here is a post that will touch on several items! Firstly, I still have not been able to make a decision about graduate school. I am so tired at times of thinking about it, but I just don't have clarity or peace yet about how to move forward and I am so afraid I will make the wrong decision. A good friend gave me some kind "rebuke" this week by reminding me that if my deciding factor centers around simply finances, then I must not allow that to be the reason for my doubts. If I do, then I am not trusting in God's provision. I am trying to figure out: how do you have wisdom and discernment about your choices, carefully considering whether it is the best choice, and yet still place complete trust in the faithfulness of God to abundantly supply every need!?! These thoughts are obviously tainted by my sinful desire to have complete control over all areas of my life, and lacking the confidence at times that God will do what is best and right and most glorifying to Himself! But He has been good to remind me of that sin and to encourage me to press on in seeking Him. So I wait...

Secondly, I have really enjoyed some of God's providential blessings this past week in friendship and fellowship. I got to go to an Orlando Magic basketball game where they were actually playing my favorite childhood team, the Cleveland Cavaliers!!! The best part was the company, my friends Stephen and Elizabeth went with me. We had such sweet conversation and several good laughs. They have certainly been a source of encouragement and a kind answer to prayer from my great God! Then this weekend was our college ministry's Valentine banquet for the senior adults at my church. This was sadly my first year taking part without my dear friends, Pastor Tommy and Sarah. But again, how graciously God provides just what we need. Pastor Michael, Stephen and Elizabeth and I all had a great time planning this event together and the evening was truly special! Of course, nothing ever goes off without a hitch, but all was handled in true joy. We actually ran out of food with about ten guests still to serve, so that made for an interesting adjustment of calling Boston Market and running to get some extra items. It all came together though and was a perfect opportunity to practice what we preach about patience and mercy toward one another. I think the guests were so encouraged and I heard many just going on and on about how fantastic it was! I have never been so free of anxiety and just able to enjoy myself. God has really used the past five years in this ministry to continually break apart my selfish and worrisome habits and allowed me to experience a much more peaceful and quiet spirit.

Well, I have many other things to say and even some other links to blog about, but it must wait for another day. Enjoy the photos!