From Stretch Marks to Stretched Faith

If you are visiting today after reading my friend Rene's blog, on Friday, welcome.  If you are regular bloggy friend, pop on over to Renee's blog on Friday.  I'll tell you why at the end of this post.

No one told me motherhood was going to be such a spiritual adventure.  I knew my feet were going to get bigger, certain parts would shift south, and I'd probably never wear two-piece suit again.  But no one told me my faith was going to grow as much as it has.

God didn't give me five children so I could stay the same.  Although, believe me, I tried.  Those first years of motherhood, I desperately tried to regain my old life, and the old me.  But she was long gone, and she took those size 8 shoes with her.

Before the first three kids arrived, I was a well-organized, patient, accomplished woman. I could manage my time, meals, and shopping.  I could string together an articulate thought and enjoyed reading books with chapters. Before kids, I could actually walk from one room into another and remember why.

Then God gave me three little boys first.  That woman no longer existed.  Instead, a woman showed up at my house who:

• ate donuts and Diet Coke for breakfast, 
•  repeatedly believed her toddlers when they promised to walk in the store,
• cleaned her children’s faces with spit and her thumb,
• knew the names of the Teletubbies, 
• and Sponge Bob’s best friend,
• laughed at jokes and movies that included bodily functions,

... but most importantly, (and thankfully) that woman redefined a successful day.

 I’m also a woman who would not trade my life as a mother for anything. After I recovered from those three little boys, God called us to go to Africa to pick up the daughters He had picked out for us.  And the growth opportunities just keep coming.

 I've also learned that I don't have to grow as a mother.  You see, I could sit in the seat of scoffers, be resentful and angry, and justify it all because of how my children choose to act.  Because, by the way, they are all teenagers, and not one of them is perfect. Did God NOT get my wish list???  (grin)

On top of that, wrapped up in the package of two beautiful daughters whom we love with all our hearts, came armloads of challenges.  They've been hard, and at times I've questioned God trust in me.  We aren't even close to overcoming some of these challenges that life in war-torn Africa gave my girls. 

 I recently wrote a devotion about facing hard times. The hardest times in my life have to do with my children.  And I'm encouraged by the life of Job.  I'm going to quote from that devotion as I end this post:

Job faced “hard” head on. He wobbled a bit, but then planted his feet and steadfastly held on to faith that his God who had never abandoned him before, would not do so now. No matter what he lost, and who abandoned him, Job knew God would always be with him. His emotions may have pulled a bit on this, but Job kept steering back to center. Job faced “hard” well.

Being a mom shakes my emotions daily.  I range from overwhelming joy to frustration, fear and sadness, and just about any other emotion you can imagine. 

If you are facing hard times in your call of motherhood, take heart.  Plant your feet firmly and determine to face it well.  You can either grow, or allow the challenges God gives you to hold you back. 
You will never be the same woman you were before, but only you can decide if that a good thing.

Please take a moment to visit Renee's blog, where she's featuring an interview with me about my book, "When Your Child is Hurting."  I'm also giving away two copies of that book and 2 cool week-at-a-glance organizers for moms.  We'll pick one winner from the comments left on my blog, and one from hers.   Make sure you leave your email address or blog address so we can contact you. 

We'll announce the winner on Monday.
I hope you have a great day!

In His Love,
Glynnis