Beyond the change and struggles
Once we have children, our lifestyle kinda needs some … adjustments. Especially since it’s no longer just about ‘me and my hubby’’.
And when faced with such a change, we often go through periods of feeling kinda ‘unsettled’. Uncomfortable.
This month at our weekly Women Fellowship, our focus is on the book of Ruth. A young woman who stepped out of her circle of security and took on a new country, new religion, new family. New everything.
Just like most of us, she went through change, stress and took on a great risk. And for Ruth in the Old Testament, great risk brought with it great reward.
Being a stay-at-home Mom means that our family lives on a single income. Although yes I do work from home (more on a ‘part-time’ basis rather), it’s still different compared to having two people earning two full income.
And while raising my two little ones, I go through different challenges everyday. Times when I have to make the right choice when disciplining and teaching Anya. Occasions when I need to control my impatience or even anger.
And frankly, it’s not easy.
While some may think life is therefore ‘easier’ and more comfortable WITHOUT children, personally I think the experience of raising these little ones myself (instead of leaving the task to someone else) has been precious.
Other than knowing that I’ve been given the honour of building these little ones’ life foundations and characters, amidst my daily struggles I get to learn more about self-denial and self-control as well.
And beyond the feeling of ‘total’ security of earning double income, our family gets to see God’s wonderful work and how HE continues to supply and provide us with what we need. Everyday.
And I guess in the end, life with children – though it may seem to bring ‘unwanted’ change and adjustments on our part – gives us parents a new dimension of growth too.
And all these, to me, are only some of the many great rewards we get to enjoy as parents.
