So, last week I wrote a post that got the most hits ever on this blog about struggling with being a mom.
I wanted to do a follow-up to it, so I wouldn’t leave you hanging. The last of that blog says to fight for joy. How do you fight for joy when you are not liking where God has you in life?
Here are some of things I do – I hope you find them encouraging. And please, let me know how you fight for joy!
1. Pray. And I’m not going to be super spiritual and say that I do that first – but sometimes I do – even if it is a plea to be patient! Or to be gentle! God is faithful to hear our prayers! Pray!
2. Talk to your husband. Especially if you are a mom, you need to have an open communication with your spouse. Was is an easy conversation with my Sweet Mister when I read him that blog I wrote – no. It wasn’t easy for him to hear. But, it was so good for him to know. He is a great listener. We talked through some things – and believer, this pregnant mamma was crying – but it was good.
3. Have friends you can be real with and won’t just give you Bible verses and tell you to get over it. Friends and Christian community is vital to being a mom. Friends who will listen to you and share their struggles as well and pray with you and tell you that you aren’t losing your mind is something you need. Be transparent. And I hope you have a church body or friends that won’t judge you for being transparent. Some friends in churches around the country have said they don’t have that. A former pastor has a chart that talks about counseling church members. He says when they are going through a hard time – the church’s response is to comfort and console – not admonish. Now, there is a time for admonishment – but most of the time people get that timing wrong.
4. Get in the Word. If you are struggling – a great place to go is Psalms. The Psalms is a real, gentle, transparent book. And the Word will admonish – but the Word will also encourage and teach.
5. Choose Joy. I love the Nancy Leigh DeMoss titles Choosing Gratitude. It is an amazing find – especially if you are going through a difficult time. The afternoon I wrote the previous blog post was a good time for me to mentally count my blessings: Elijah, Eric, being a SAHM, having a cute little boy with watery-blue eyes and his daddy’s fine hair. Whatever you are struggling with – count your blessings in that area. It will change your mind about the situation!
6. Take some time off! I’m blessed to be around folks and my husband who will take Eli and give me a morning off. I love it. But, also, having that morning off makes me realize that I love my son and I love being around him. Call a friend, your mother, a pastor’s wife, somebody! A mental break is great for any mom!
7. Do something that takes your mind off of your struggles. For me, it is writing. If I want something mindless to do – then I want to play a game on the iPad. But, I usually like to sit and journal, write a blog, or write something!
8. Sometimes, even after all that, you may still struggle with the calling that has been placed on your life for being a mom. But, by the fact that you have children – you are a Mom. That is your calling! But, hope in your gospel that you’ve been given through the Cross of Christ.
What do you do that helps you when you are struggling!