From the time that beautiful bundle of screams and cries is born, we moms are there for them. We get up in the night, feed them, wash them, clothe them, walk them, and cuddle them. Whatever they need, we are there! Even if that means we let some of our own desires and needs slide. We read books, blogs, and magazines and go to classes and workshops to find ways to even better meet our little one’s needs. We are MOMs!
Then they grow and change, and their needs grow and change. When they become adults they still need us and it is still the desire of our hearts to be there for them, even if only to listen. The problems can’t be kissed away anymore.
After all these years, doing my absolute best to be there for my children every minute possible, they have grown. They are in and out a lot, yet no one lives at home full-time anymore. I get phone calls asking what they should do about a car situation, asking for a recipe, or just wanting to run something by me they have been considering–like moving to Thailand! They do still need me, and I want with all my heart to be there for them, to spend every free moment we both can have together.
At the same time the last child moved out to either her own place or the dorm, I began a nurse practitioner program. Even though I am busier than I’ve ever been, and every past school experience in retrospect was a party, I am very settled knowing this is exactly where God wants me right now.
Yet when my children stop by, I can’t give them my full attention anymore. They have been very understanding and repeatedly assure me they are fine. When they stop by, often I’m studying for a test–or taking one!
Working full-time as a nursing manager, I am on call 24/7/365. In a moment of blissful ignorance, or perhaps intense motivation, I signed up for the accelerated program with school. Thus, right now, I am at my maximum busyness. Yet I still want to be there for everyone. What is a mom to do?
Last weekend, after discussing all this with a group of friends at a Bible study, we ended with prayer. During the prayer it struck me. Who can be there for everyone, all the time, perfectly? GOD! In my struggle to be there for everyone, I am trying to be something I am not capable of and was not made to do–I am trying to be God.
God is the only one who can do what I have been attempting. No wonder I am failing. There is no need to chastise myself. I am not God! The good news is, I do not have to be. God already has that job covered. He is there for everyone, even when I am busy. It is OK. I can relax knowing He’s got it covered. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
