As I've been grappling with just what it means to be a SAHM for me (by writing out my goals, praying, observing other moms), I've come up with a sort of mission statement for my life: I want to be a loving wife and mother who accomplishes great things for God.
Really, it sums up all of my goals. And it requires both discipline and connection. Discipline to keep a clean house, make nutritious meals for my family, be available for my husband, exercise and "keep myself up." (Doesn't that all fall under "loving wife"?) And being a loving mother involves discipline to keep my daughter on some kind of a schedule and put her needs ahead of mine. Connecting with her requires doing fun things together (swimming, going on the swings at the park, reading stories to her and tickling her). And everything else falls under "accomplishing great things for God": joining a professional choir, connecting with friends and purposefully investing in their lives, etc.
Maybe it's not rocket science, but coming up with a mission statement has helped me to filter my decisions (about how to use my time) a little better. It focuses me and reminds me that I have purpose, even without pursuing a career! :)
Really, it sums up all of my goals. And it requires both discipline and connection. Discipline to keep a clean house, make nutritious meals for my family, be available for my husband, exercise and "keep myself up." (Doesn't that all fall under "loving wife"?) And being a loving mother involves discipline to keep my daughter on some kind of a schedule and put her needs ahead of mine. Connecting with her requires doing fun things together (swimming, going on the swings at the park, reading stories to her and tickling her). And everything else falls under "accomplishing great things for God": joining a professional choir, connecting with friends and purposefully investing in their lives, etc.
Maybe it's not rocket science, but coming up with a mission statement has helped me to filter my decisions (about how to use my time) a little better. It focuses me and reminds me that I have purpose, even without pursuing a career! :)