Thoughts from a new mom
I've been thinking a lot about labels...Christian, wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, colleague, mentor, etc... I've had labels for a while now. I think adding "wife" had been the largest adjustment to make until now. It's also been the most rewarding. Now I'm adding the label... Mother. hmm.... I thought having a mother, a good mother, I knew what I was getting into. HA! Even having the best mom, I had no idea the life-changing excitement that was heading for me. But more on that later...I began to think about these labels as hats. For example, on my way to work, I would put on my teacher and colleague hats and then driving home, switch to the homemaker and wife hats. But, then, I realized the “Christian” label shouldn’t really be in this category. Because we really don’t ever take that one off (or at least we shouldn’t). No matter what hat we put on, we are still Christians. For metaphoric purposes, lets say we put on our “Christian” t-shirt. So, this label, Christian, permeates every other label. Striving to be a good mother doesn’t mean we change a diaper really well. What are our goals? I mean really... deep down, what do WE want? If you have on your “Christian” t-shirt, then your goal should be to point others toward Christ. Showing his love to others and proclaiming his name is our goal. So, as we change our hats, our overall goal shouldn’t change. What should change is our audience. At home, wearing our “Mom” hat and our “Christian” t-shirt, our goal should be to show Christ to our children, pointing them to him by our love, patience, and discipline. As we go to work, change hats but don’t take off the t-shirt. We should be showing our co-workers Christ, telling them how great he his and how life changing he is. We don’t necessarily have to go through the halls, cubicles, and break rooms shouting, “How Great is Our God.” Although, you could and that would be awesome! Just be nice. Offer to help someone. Buy someone’s coffee. Talk to them about their family. Remember, most of you reading this are in the bible belt of America. So, be aware, your co-workers have probably had a run-in with a Christian at some point. And sadly, not all Christians leave the best impression. So, PLEASE, leave a GOOD impression. Also, your co-workers may also be Christians. Talk to them about it. Encourage each other.Realizing all the labels/hats that I wear, it stressed me out. I really want to do all those things really well. Failing at these things is not an option. I refuse to be a bad mother, a bad wife, etc. BUT think about it, what are you wearing.... If you are wearing your “Christian” shirt, it shouldn’t matter what hat you have on. Continue with the same goal. Showing others Christ through you and your actions. I’m convinced if we concentrate on the t-shirt the hats won’t matter.26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.Galations 3:26-27Couldn't resist showing some pictures of my little miracle!! She is doing great! Growing and smiling! She can hold up her head and is smiling more and more. She has also found her hands. She reaches for stuff and sucks on her knuckles. Her little personality is showing through!! Her health has been great! Thank you again for all your prayers and Praise Him for answering them so extravagantly! 
Thoughts from a new mom
I've been thinking a lot about labels...Christian, wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, colleague, mentor, etc... I've had labels for a while now. I think adding "wife" had been the largest adjustment to make until now. It's also been the most rewarding. Now I'm adding the label... Mother. hmm.... I thought having a mother, a good mother, I knew what I was getting into. HA! Even having the best mom, I had no idea the life-changing excitement that was heading for me. But more on that later...I began to think about these labels as hats. For example, on my way to work, I would put on my teacher and colleague hats and then driving home, switch to the homemaker and wife hats. But, then, I realized the “Christian” label shouldn’t really be in this category. Because we really don’t ever take that one off (or at least we shouldn’t). No matter what hat we put on, we are still Christians. For metaphoric purposes, lets say we put on our “Christian” t-shirt. So, this label, Christian, permeates every other label. Striving to be a good mother doesn’t mean we change a diaper really well. What are our goals? I mean really... deep down, what do WE want? If you have on your “Christian” t-shirt, then your goal should be to point others toward Christ. Showing his love to others and proclaiming his name is our goal. So, as we change our hats, our overall goal shouldn’t change. What should change is our audience. At home, wearing our “Mom” hat and our “Christian” t-shirt, our goal should be to show Christ to our children, pointing them to him by our love, patience, and discipline. As we go to work, change hats but don’t take off the t-shirt. We should be showing our co-workers Christ, telling them how great he his and how life changing he is. We don’t necessarily have to go through the halls, cubicles, and break rooms shouting, “How Great is Our God.” Although, you could and that would be awesome! Just be nice. Offer to help someone. Buy someone’s coffee. Talk to them about their family. Remember, most of you reading this are in the bible belt of America. So, be aware, your co-workers have probably had a run-in with a Christian at some point. And sadly, not all Christians leave the best impression. So, PLEASE, leave a GOOD impression. Also, your co-workers may also be Christians. Talk to them about it. Encourage each other.Realizing all the labels/hats that I wear, it stressed me out. I really want to do all those things really well. Failing at these things is not an option. I refuse to be a bad mother, a bad wife, etc. BUT think about it, what are you wearing.... If you are wearing your “Christian” shirt, it shouldn’t matter what hat you have on. Continue with the same goal. Showing others Christ through you and your actions. I’m convinced if we concentrate on the t-shirt the hats won’t matter.26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.Galations 3:26-27Couldn't resist showing some pictures of my little miracle!! She is doing great! Growing and smiling! She can hold up her head and is smiling more and more. She has also found her hands. She reaches for stuff and sucks on her knuckles. Her little personality is showing through!! Her health has been great! Thank you again for all your prayers and Praise Him for answering them so extravagantly!
