Golden

Today I am 30 on the 30th of August! I have to be honest and say that I have been anticipating this birthday with more than a little trepidation. It’s not that I think 30 is horrible, its just that time flies by and these “milestone” birthdays never seem real! Aren’t I still 16!?! (No, Thank God) Are any of you like me? I have sworn to age gracefully! Not complain too much about all the aches I never had before, the metabolism that just can’t keep up like it used to, and those expression lines that are expressing themselves just a little too much for my liking! So much easier said than done! I have been asked so many times, “How do you feel about turning 30 this year!?” The first answer that almost always comes to mind is tired! I never knew 30 would be so tiring!

I am truly not complaining! It’s a satisfied, bone weary, kind of tired that comes with raising babies, chasing after God dreams, and working towards a successful marriage. Up until a few weeks ago when my first son, Bronx, had his second birthday I had two boys under 2 years old. I am a stay at home mom. I am a part time student trying to hammer out the last few classes needed to FINALLY finish a decade long pursuit of my bachelors degree. I have a part time Rodan and Fields business that requires small but consistent attention. I have an AMAZING husband who has a busy Assistant Pastor position at a dynamic and full scheduled church. Anyone with ministry experience knows that role also applies to me whether I am punching the clock or not. That’s a busy life y’all! So ironically, I felt the need to start a Blog! Is there a better time to open my heart and life to others who walk in similar shoes? I have said the last few years that I am going to write a book called Jesus is my Therapist or some other catchy named, New York Times best seller,  geared towards young wives and mothers in ministry! It would have witty lists like “The top 5 times of year not to have anything important happen in your personal life” or “Phrases to avoid when dealing with church members”. But reality set in and I decided not to give myself an ulcer. I mean, how could I possible add a book tour into my schedule? Exactly. I couldn’t!

I am in a season where I am very busy doing huge things but feel like not much is getting done. I think that really is a blanket statement for all you 20-30 something moms with littles whether you work outside or inside the home. Although lets be real. Working moms still work at home, can I get an amen!? Working (Yes, I said WORKING) from home as a SAHM is something I never thought I would ever want to do, but it’s what I felt God was calling me to do a few months ago. “Your children are your mission field” a friend recently told me when I was lamenting about the stress of potty training, teaching manners and proper behavior to my 2 year old, all while dealing with a 4 month sleep regression and exclusive nursing. Forget the housework. That statement really convicted me. I have given a lot more patience and grace to students in our youth ministry the last 10 years and the adults we now work with than my poor child who is just trying to learn things for the first time ever! It was a new concept to think of my kids as church work so to speak. But isn’t that really what parenting is?

It’s in these busy, crazy, important seasons of life that I have to remember to see the beauty. The blessing and the the joy that comes with living out Gods command in Matthew 28:19 not just in your community, but also in your home. Knowing that in due season we will reap the rewards of our labor if we do not become weary in well doing. Being a momma is hard work. And this is a busy life. But as I’m reminded today, it’s also golden.