I decided last year after I had agreed to be the volunteer coordinator for our Church's Bible camp that I would not volunteer for anything while I was pregnant or nursing a baby. Of course in that time I also agreed to be the Publicity Team Leader for our MOPS group. Since then I have also been asked to teach/coordinate a Biblio Bebe Class while the teachers were on Maternity leave, consider being a co-Flipper representative (Swim team), and now just the other day I was sent an e-mail about being part of a planning committee for a new Mom's group starting at my parish. ARGHGHGHGHGHGH!!!!!
I said no to the Biblio Bebe Class. With Hubby leaving next month for about 3 weeks I just didn't think that I would have the energy to plan a bilingual lesson twice a week every week for 8 weeks. I didn't outright decline being the Flipper rep, but gave my reservations up front. As for the new Mom's group at our parish, I totally would love to be a part of that, especially since it would be at and through our Church, but I don't want to be on the ground floor of that. Now right now anyway. Again with Hubby working late for the next few weeks and being gone next month, I won't have a lot of free time and what free time I have I want to be able to spend it with my Hubby when he is home. So, no thank you.
So what do you think? Sucker or God's calling? I'm leaning towards sucker...but here's food for thought:
Exodus 35:10
“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded.” (NIV)
Your feelings about this subject are right. You need to do what will bring you peace and contentment at each stage and time of your life. Our Lord has already given you a wonderful job - mother of three precious children and a great wife to your wonderful husband. When the time is right for you to do something else for Him, He will definitely make it clear to you and you will know it because of the peace that will fill your heart! Stay firm in your resolve of serving Him as He guides you -- everything else that comes into to your life that upsets your feelings, cast it onto His care and He will give you His peace.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Love,
Epita
Thank you Epita. I just want to be the best mom and wife that God wants me to be. I also want to be His servant and do as he asks. You are right. He will grant me peace and He will let me know when and how I am to serve Him. Thank you! xoxo
DeleteYou are asked because it is obvious that you are intelligent, have a servant's heart, and are a clear leader. Yes this is what you are called to do, made to do. But just because people recognize this about you, does not mean that you are called to do them all or even any of them now. Remember that you are not a sucker but yes some people might try to use you like one. Epita said it well above, rely on God.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. Sometimes I wonder if this is where God has called me and maybe I should listen. I don't want to say no to his calling and there is a part of me that is afraid that I am running away from what he wants me to do. But at the same time he has blessed me infinitely more than I could have ever imagined when I listened to Him and became a stay-at-home despite some pretty big fears if I was doing the right thing. But I know you are right...I may be called to do these things, but not necessarily now. He will let me know. Thanks for always being there for me. Love ya!
DeleteYour primary vocation is wife and mother. If there is anything else God calls you too, and He will, great. But I agree with saying "no" while pregnant or nursing. It has been very hard for me to say no, but I realize that that is one of the reasons God gave me a husband. I recommend ALWAYS consulting hubby first. Make it your standard answer, "I have to consult with my husband." Not as a cop out, but because you are a team and you need each other and know each other. You are one flesh, so what you do, he does, too! If you make it a point to consult each other and pray about it together, then you won't feel put on the spot, and God will guide you. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and for His 7 gifts. Love, Your Big Sis Mary
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right that whatever I agree to do, so does my Hubby whether or not he wanted to do it. I must keep in mind that my decisions affect him as well. I just want to run away from God's calling. But as has been apparent by many FB comments and blog comments, He will let me know when and where I am to serve. Thank you for being there for me. Love ya, sis!
ReplyDelete