Nov. 18, 2007
Keeping it in Balance
Posted in Spiritual
If you are feeling overwhelmed, overloaded, and out of balance concerning involvement in church work, other activities, or time you are spending with your family please read on. We've all know women who are involved in everything that comes their way...always at church, always teaching or serving in seemingly every area of church life. You may be that woman, or may have been that woman at some time in your life. Then there are those women who are seemingly not involved in anything at all. They are hardly ever present in Sunday School or church, never serve in the nursery, or teach a class, they aren't active in civic groups and may not even be active in a homeschool group or co-op. It may appear that both women's lives are out of balance...one spends too much time doing "everything", and the other does nothing at all. As I thought about this I was reminded that things are not often what they seem. How often have we thought something about someone only to find out later that we were way off base? I know that I've been guilty of that very thing. What we see on the surface doesn't often give us the total picture, but that is not really the issue here. The deeper issue is what should our priorities be as mothers and wives?
Would you give up teaching at church, coaching the team, directing the play, heading up the homeschool co-op or participating in an activity for the benefit of your family? I'm not suggesting that we should put aside church attendance, or that we have to drop all outside commitments. I am simply pointing out that sometimes there will be situations in our families that need our undivided attention, and those situations may interfere with our ability to be at every church service or head up the co-op. Now before you stop reading this post please understand that I believe that we should be as actively involved in our local church as possible. Church attendance should be part of our spiritual life because church is supposed to be one way that we receive spiritual nourishment, and it provides opportunities for us to serve the Lord by serving others. Often people are made to feel guilty for not attending every church function or serving in every department at the same time. Some are made to feel guilty for not serving in the capacity of teacher, leader, choir member, etc. Today I just want to offer you this simple reminder...as mothers and wives our ministry is to our husband and children first. If there are opportunities for service in your local church that you and your husband agree would be right for you, then please do serve. Your service teaches your children the importance of serving the Lord by serving others.
What is on my heart today is that we not allow our lives to become unbalanced by allowing service in other areas to take precedence over our ministry to our families. As homeschooling moms our ministry to our children is greatly increased. We have added areas of ministry to our children that moms who don't home educate do not have. We need to remember this as we make choices about areas of service or involvement outside the home so that we keep our lives in balance. Our ministry to our children through homeschooling is honoring to God, but if we are stretched too far with commitments that take too much of our time and attention we cannot fulfill the ministry that God has given us in our homes. So, what about you? Is your life out of balance? Take some time tonight before you go to bed to re-evaluate your upcoming commitments and make sure that you keep it all in balance so that you can fulfill the most important ministry that God has given you...ministry to your family.
Blessings,
Missy
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Nov. 18, 2007 - Thanks for visiting my blog....
 Posted by KeepingtheHome
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I've had the same thoughts that are in your post. My husband as a preacher's kid and me as a missionary kid both saw firsthand how tough it can be for a kid when ministry is far above family. (not every PK or MK family would have done this; it is the tendency, though, if the parents aren't careful to say 'no' sometimes to outside obligations).
As a result, we are so very careful to put family first. Well, God first, actually, then family. If we are putting God first, then family will be second, no? Because He is quite clear about how much family means to Him! He gave us -- us! no other - these children.
Our first ministry should be always to them.
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Nov. 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by EEEEMommy
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I have had to wrestle through finding this balance in my own life. My tendency over the years has been to become overcommited with ministry while the housekeeping suffers. Even before I started homeschooling rigorously, I had to find a balance, and being devoted to teaching my kids has strengthened the conviction to stay balanced. Giving up women's Bible study for this season has been one of the greatest sacrifices, but as much as I loved leading women in studying God's Word, I have enjoyed teaching my children to do so even more. God is good. There have been many other opportunities to which I have had to say no, but still a handful which God is calling me (and us as a family) to do.
I will say that I have been frustrated with those who use homeschooling, and being a wife and mother as a continual excuse to never serve (I can say the same about working mothers). Being a part of the body involves more than just attending services. Even with the commitments we have at home, there are places we can serve within the body, and we need to prayerfully seek those out. I have seen far too many women derive benefit from the various ministries of the church for their own families or children, without serving themselves. Every member needs to do their own part (that they have been gifted to do by the Holy Spirit). Part of training our children includes modeling service as an active member of the body of Christ and teaching them to heed the Holy Spirit as He directs us to the ministries that He has for us within the body (and which ones He doesn't).
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I've enjoyed my visit here and will be back.
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Nov. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by Suzanne
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God has really spoken to me through you. Thank you for coming by my blog and leaving a comment.
I've been struggling with the right "balance." (Actually, I'm not sure if "struggling" is the right word to use, but perhaps you'll get the idea.)
Anyway, I've been wanting and seeking to know if God would have me fill a certain position at my church. I'm the Wednesday night preschool director (for 3's, 4's, and 5's -- averaging around 15 children in two separate classes). This Fall is my first time to be in this position... and I've had to "jump in with both feet" so-to-speak. (I've taught S.S. in the past, and my dh and I serve in nursery on a rotation basis. Also, I serve on several different committees... all of which rarely have meetings.) All this to say, I've found myself somewhat dreading going to church on Wednesday nights, whereas I used to love it! I don't know if it's "simply" fear, cowardice, or what. Perhaps I'm not gifted in the areas that are required of me. Perhaps I'm over-burdened (as you imply in this blog entry). I'm not sure. I've prayed about it, and I feel as if it would be best if I not do this again next year -- meaning next "school" year. Part of me wishes I could "resign" at the end of this Fall "semester" and allow someone else to serve in the position starting in January. However, I don't want to "shirk" responsibility, either.
Why I'm telling you all this, I'm not sure. :) Perhaps the Lord just wanted me to do so. Perhaps I'm wondering if you have any suggestions... or perhaps I'm simply being a "normal" mom -- "torn" between so many things. No matter the case, thanks for "listening" to me! (I may have to save this comment and blog about it on my own blog.) :)
Blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for checking out the blogs I mentioned.
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Nov. 21, 2007 - For Suzanne...
 Posted by smokeybutter
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I'm coming to visit you....actually I'm going to come to your blog to answer your questions. I'm thankful that my post was helpful to you.
Blessings,
Missy
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