So…um, at the beginning of the month, I posted this challenge for myself. I really have given it a lot of thought, but I’ve been slightly behind on writing this post! It’s just how my month has gone… 🙂
I know if you’ve been a mom for any length of time, you’ve probably been here: The baby is crying, you’ve changed 12 diapers in the last four hours, the pile of dishes in the sink is crusty and it’s not coming off without a fight, the toddler is refusing to come out from under the bed to take a nap, and you haven’t had more than two straight hours of sleep in months.
I know where you’re at.
It’s in those moments you need a clearly defined mission in life. Otherwise, you can’t see past what’s right in front of you.
I remember having this thought when I had three little ones under the age of four, “Is this really my life? What in the world am I doing? Will I ever make it through this? Is this really the best use of the gifts God has give me?” I literally walked through one minute at a time, so exhausted I could barely stand — let alone feel “productive”.
And everyone kept saying, “Why aren’t you working? Don’t you get so bored? How can you survive on one income?” And I will be the first to admit that some days I wanted to go back to work just to escape the mundane tasks and the colic and temper tantrums and all the insanity that characterized my life at that point in time.
It was really a struggle. And the only way I persevered was because I knew God had called me to pour out myself for these three little blessings He had given me. Specifically, I believed God had given me the mission to shepherd the hearts of my children.
But if I had not had that mission written upon my heart so strongly, I would’ve given up. I needed (and still need) the perspective — to look into the future and to have a vision that the things I’m doing today are impacting my children for tomorrow and generations to come.
Here are three reasons why I think you need a “mom” mission statement:
1) It gives you perspective.
It feels as though this season of your life is here to stay, but in reality, it is quickly passing by. When you’re in the midst of the diaper changes, the continual illnesses, the sleepless nights, the endless character training (your child’s…and your own), you need to know that what you’re doing matters (and it does matter tremendously)! Constantly reminding yourself of the purpose and mission you’ve been given by God can give you perspective.
2) It encourages you when you’re doubting.
In those moments when I want to give up, I can look to the mission I’ve been given and be reminded that I am fulfilling the purpose God has planned for me. My emotions often waver, but my mission is unchanging.
3) It will guide your decision-making.
There are so many opportunities and things people want you to be involved in. Most of them are good things, and so it becomes challenging to decide what’s best. If you’re like me, you’ll end up with too much on your plate. When that happens, you’ll eventually burn out, or you’ll waste your life doing things that aren’t meaningful to you (but you feel like you should do them because someone else wants you to).
If you have a clear mission statement, you can evaluate opportunities in light of what is really important to you. You can say “Yes” to the things that fit with your purpose….and “No” to the things that are good, but aren’t the best.
Now that we’ve looked at a few reasons why we need a mission statement, we’ll delve into the process of writing one on Thursday!
Jenae {I Can Teach My Child!} says
Beautiful, Stacie!!! I think maybe I need a mission statement too! 🙂
Jenae {I Can Teach My Child!} says
Beautiful, Stacie!!! I think maybe I need a mission statement too! 🙂
Theresa says
Great idea! I had one of those sleepless nights last night.
Theresa says
Great idea! I had one of those sleepless nights last night.
Kathryn says
Thank you so much for this – exactly what I needed right now. With an 18month old and struggling to decide if I go back to work, tired all the time… your words really spoke to me.
Stacie Nelson says
Oh, Kathryn! You are in a difficult place right now. I’m so glad it was helpful. I felt like once I did clarify my purpose it gave me a little (or a lot) more vision to get through those challenging days when the girls were smaller. Praying for you now! {{Hugs}}