As I left school today, I left with one less child. Today my middle child went to preschool.
I have had a few hard days the last couple of weeks. He is my middle but for some reason he has always seemed little. Not so much in stature but in his personality. He is so sweet and tenderhearted. As a parent we want our children’s teachers to adore our children as much as we do.
I think I did really well. I told him I was going to miss him because I wanted him to know it is okay to miss people when they are away from you. But I also told him that I was excited for his new adventure. The reason I said I did well was because I didn’t cry until I dropped him off. You may be laughing but I was pretty proud of myself. As I was driving away the reality of a huge change swept over me. I don’t know how many of you have children in school or past the school age but the moment you drop them off for school, time seems to accelerate in their little lives.
The next time you turn around they are a whole year bigger. Before my husband and I decided that I could be stay-at-home mom I was teaching in a middle school. Although I really enjoyed my job, we decided it would be best for me to have these years with them at home. I must say that being a stay-at-home mom is the hardest job that I have ever had.
I have been home with my children now for almost eight years and I would like to think that I am getting better at it or I have things figured out but many days I feel quite the contrary.
My husband and I are a pretty good team but many days we feel at a complete loss and I feel at the very end of my rope. The demands are high and the down time is virtually none.
Being the mom of my three little awesome kids is something I wouldn’t trade with anyone.
Sometimes I wonder if this is what I signed up for but I am assured God gave me this place, this time, and these kids and this is what I signed up for. As a believer, I am to serve God in this place, this time and with the people that he places before me.
It is an honor to serve God in this way. As a parent my number one responsibility is to my family. To serve and minister to my children. What an awesome and amazing job that God has given to me. One He has given to all those who are parents.
In fact one reason I haven’t posted here in a couple of weeks is because I have wanted to really focus on my family as summer wrapped up. We took a wonderful vacation and just really spent time loving each other as our summer time together was coming to a quick end.
To those who are not parents, you have it easy. I am just kidding. If you think this may not apply to you it can. What an opportunity for you to come alongside parents and other believers and support them through prayer, compassion, serving and ministering in many other ways.
The truth is parent or not these are the generations that will support us and pray for us when we are advanced in years. They are the ones raising the next generations. Without the support of all believers standing together to pray and minister to this generation, they are that much further removed from truth and light and the chance for hope through Jesus Christ, Our Risen Savior.
So as we start another school year. Can you please pray with me? Not only for my children but for children across the globe that they will seek the path Christ has laid out for each and every one of their beautiful souls. Pray they will grow to be Christ followers in the face of an ever changing and challenging world.
I truly appreciate you reading another blog page and continuing to return after my much needed time with family.
Many blessings to families as they navigate through this school year.
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11
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This piece was so touching and real. I could relate in so many ways. And wow, what an amazing verse – 2 Thessalonians 1:11. I'm going to write that one down and put it somewhere I can see it often. Thanks for sharing Jaime!
Thanks Jill! I always appreciate your encouragement. Such amazing things we can do when we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings to you, mama! As a mom of older children (12 and 16), I see every day the fruit of labors done in earlier seasons…thanks be to God! May God protect and bless your school year…stopping by from Reflect!
Thank you Elizabeth for stopping by from Reflect. It is always nice to hear encouragement from Mom's that have walked this road. Thank you for the encouraging words today.
Haha, congrats on not crying! I cried the very first time but I got over it quickly, my kids have always been so independent of me. A new school year always brings anxiety, I have to try and remember to cover them everyday – so many distractions out there
So many distractions and trying to help your children navigate those waters is always a challenge. The world tells them one thing and God tells us something else. Romans 12:2 tells us Do not conform 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.
His is the Good and perfect will. Thanks for stopping by friend.
As a mom I understand, as a teacher I appreciate your diligence to love and prepare your child. Blessings from Reflect.
Thank you Jann for stopping by from Reflect. I was a teacher before I was a mom and sometimes my teacher mode kicks in and I wish I could respond just as a loving mom and not necessarily worry about how their teacher might respond. My oldest son probably got the worst part of teacher/mommy. Anytime he would so something when he was young I would think your teacher is not going to put up with that. Grace often fell by the wayside. Recognizing that I have just become mom and not teacher/mom. Fortunately my kids teachers have always been very loving.
Beautiful post! Your post made me think of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 for some reason. Blessed to be your neighbor at the RaRa Linkup today!
5"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.… Deuteronomy 4:5-7. I have used these verses many times. I love them. Thank you for sharing and stopping by.
Hi, Jaime. Being a stay at home Mom is definitely the hardest job in the world, but I agree that it is also the most rewarding and wouldn't change it either. Praying for you and your children that they all have a wonderful school year. Thanks for stopping by #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂
Thank you for the link-up and for stopping by from Social Butterfly. Thank you also for the prayers. Us moms and women need to strengthen and encourage one another so I appreciate your support and prayers. Many blessings.
Hi there, found your blog through the Social Butterfly link up. I appreciate your vulnerability. I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling like being a stay at home mom is the hardest job I've ever had! Thanks for sharing!
We are not alone. It is always nice to share with others and be able to open our hearts and encourage others. Thank you for stopping by.