Being a Working Mom: Making Space for Vulnerability in My Life

Dear Readers-

Being a working mom means...

 I feel vulnerable.all.of.the.time.

I think it’s a mix of my time being pulled in multiple directions, but also, the lurking responsibility of human lives waiting for me at home.  On most days, the stress and pressure is moderate.  Then, on other days, it’s reaches an all time HIGH.

*Full disclosure.

It can feel unbearable at times.

So, what can do you about it?   Well, not much!

This is where my faith has carried me through.

See, to survive each day, I have had to (1) activate my mind to be sharp and willing to think and learn (2) Feed and care for my body in a way that allows me to keep up with daily demands without illness or injury and (3) just maintain a positive, open attitude towards change and life’s adversities.

Well, friends, those things don’t come to.any.human.alone. 

Even on the best day you aren’t guaranteed all or one of those things.

It.is.called.survival. For a reason.

If you think yourself to be the most capable independent person (which is definitely my personality type), you would surely NOT be able to maintain that level of functionality over a long period of time. 

Eventually, repeated hurt and pain would affect one or all of those survival areas and your mind would grow weak and your heart would grow weary- or worse. cold.

When faith entered my life years ago as I navigated the waters of marriage and work, I really came to know Jesus to learn how to love myself and see myself worthy of LOVE. 

Now, I turn to Jesus to see other people’s lives equally as worthy as my own.

When stress enters the picture of anyone’s life- well, that’s when you are most selfish and less disciplined to care about anything outside of yourself. 

Your scope and view is narrow. 

You are tired and VERY emotionally spent.

That’s why I need the self-discipline to rise above that state of mind and I have only found that possible through HOPE in Jesus. 

He .has. to. be. REAL. because. He. REALLY. shows. up. in. my. life.

Sometimes, He shows up in supernatural ways others think impossible and sometimes He just shows up when no one else knows anything is wrong.

Nonetheless, He continues to show up day after day in every unknown, vulnerable circumstance.  When I let Him in on it, I experience courage rather than fear; joy rather than disappointment; and hope rather than helplessness.

 I feel like I appreciate what I have more; see my little humans so much more clearer in terms of their hearts and motives; and love/encourage my husband to lead our family well - better than when I try to do things by myself.

So, thank you Jesus for showing up in my most vulnerable season of life. The right time is always NOW and I’m eternally grateful.

Love. Always,
Crystal

This is my last post for a while so I can enjoy my loved ones the next couple weeks of summer. Until then, enjoy your life and spread love!