What I Hope For . . . x 10!
Sometimes I can’t believe my life now. In the last few months I’ve written a novelization of a movie, and I’ve chatted with a production company about their meetings to turn my books into movies. I’ve signed contracts to write more books. Lots more books. I’ve been interviewed on radio programs, and I get to interview other authors on my own show. Is this my life?!
When I was a young mom I dreamed of becoming an author. I honestly only set my eyes on getting A BOOK published. I didn’t think about a career like this. I wouldn’t have even entered my mind. This has shown me a few things:
- God often has more in mind for us than we have for ourselves.
- It is possible to have a successful career—working from home—while raising kids.
- The only way to get where you want to be is to take one step, and then another!
- The hard work is worth it. The waiting is worth it, too.
And so it was . . . that she, having waited long and endured patiently realized and obtained what God had promised. Hebrews 6:15
Being a Mom is Like an Intense College Prep Course
Looking back I realize being a mom helped me to be a better career-person.
Being a mommy has taught me:
- Patience and understanding. Yes, I can wait for news from your editorial committee two months from now. As a mom I’m trained to wait. Do you know how patient and understanding you have to be to potty-train six children?!
- Hard work. Yes, that’s a big project to tackle, but do you know how hard it is to keep up with this laundry pile? I know how to keep the wheels spinning otherwise I get overrun.
- Prayer. Yes, I know how to pray for my projects; they are needy and all-consuming just like my kids.
- Speed. Need that article by tomorrow? No problem. I know how to sprint. Thank-you-very-much to the child who likes to run out the front door or find everything with a flip lid and see how much he can pour on the floor before Mom gets there.
OK, so these things aren’t the same, exactly, but being a mom has shown me that while there are good things to celebrate, a lot of hard work comes with it. But in the end, when you have one of those back-lit moments as your child wins the spelling bee or your book makes the best-sellers list, you forget all the pain. You say, “Oh, yes, thank you very much.” And you bask in that moment because you realize those moments are the ones you’ll remember—leaving all the hard work and pain far behind.
Action Steps:
- Remember that God has more planned for you than you ever dreamed.
- Realize your parenting prepares you for work challenges that come your way.
- Understand that every life-value that you learn as a parent will benefit you career, because a career is more about who you are than simply what you can do.
Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, forgive me for all those times I wanted to push away my kids to benefit my career. Thank you for reminding me that raising kids is just as much about molding me as it is about molding them. I thank you that the person I’ve become as a result of my growth as a parent also benefits ever other aspect of my life. In Jesus name, amen.
Resources you might like:
Blue Like Play Dough
Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom
You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream
Generation NeXt Parenting
Did you hear the good news? My book The Swiss Courier (that I co-wrote with Mike Yorkey) is on sale! My new book Balanced is available now via Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only $2.99 (digital only)!
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