Your calling

This is my Life: Your calling

 I'm so happy to have some time to write today.  I'm on the couch with a cold and the boys are napping so I'm taking the time.  I feel like I've been all over the place, emotionally lately, but I've had this title "Your calling" on my heart a lot.

As most of you know, I watch three other kiddies in addition to my own.  It's consuming, exhausting and I can't do a lot of the stuff I used too, but it's also so rewarding, loving all the kids all day long,  it's amazing.  Kids have this joy, that when you soak it in, it's wonderful. And like all who work outside of the home, this is my job.  It's pretty great!

A friend of mine recently posted an article to my wall  about a Mom who was pregnant with her fourth and the remarks she would get from people.  I get some awesome responses when I am out with the kids.  My three and when I'm with the other three.  My three boys, all have different color hair, so you can imagine the comments I get and you'd be shocked at what some people can say about them actually being full siblings, etc.  Then come the comments when I'm with all six. Those are the goodies.  They are cute too me.  I get a lot of "wow you have your hands full".  Which technically after two children, you technically, technically have your hands full because you only have two hands. haha.  I get "God Bless You".  "are they all yours" which is a legit question because three are all very close in age.  Nathan and the little girl I watch often get confused for twins.  The comments are all very amusing and good conversation starters wherever I am.  And because my husband and I have always wanted four we get a lot of "you're crazy".  
Then you get into those encouraging encounters, which one sticks out in my mind, was an older gentlemen came up to me at the deli line and commented on my three boys (of course Nathan's red hair) and proceeded with "my wife and I have three boys as well and then we had a fourth and it was an adorable little girl, so maybe a girl for you next".  The idea that I would want four wasn't crazy to this man and I loved it.  

This being said, with the activities I do with the kids, I get a lot of, what are cute remarks, like "super mom", "brave", etc.  I do not believe any of these to be true, I just believe this is where God wants me, has put me and given me all I need to conquer this season I am in.  This is what my heart has always desired and He has completely answered those prayers.  Yes, it's a lot and I do have my hands full, but like any other job outside of the home entails, I couldn't do what you do either.  

I think of a few of my friends and family that have their careers.  For instance, one is a Dr. in pharmacology.  The intelligence, knowledge and dedication that takes, its something I could not have or could do.  But, that is what she was gifted for and was/is her calling.  My neighbor is a child therapist.  Her strength astounds me.  I went to nursing school for one year and was an emotional mess.  The strength and ability she is blessed with, it's beautiful all the lives she touches.  Another is a model, stunning beauty inside and out.  Another is a photographer, that skill has also blessed my family but to have that eye and capture these moments forever, that's a calling and a gift!  One is a fashion designer...this is pure artistic ability. I don't have an eye for fashion and to see it created...it's beautiful. Plumbers, teachers, scientists, book keepers, librarians, etc....the list goes forever because God has a unique gift for all of us!

We all have different gifts, another reason comparison needs to stay away.  We do things different and are all equipped differently. Imagine how boring life would be if we were all gifted in the same thing.  If we were all gifted golfers and there were no soccer players...see :)  Our strengths as well as weaknesses are different and that is what makes us uniquely beautiful.  

 So, as it may seem that I have everything together and have this Mom thing down.  It's the farthest thing from the truth, but this is where I am blessed to be and I pray for the strength and patience everyday to be the best I can be for my children as well as those I care for.  

I encourage you to look at your gifts.  See what God has blessed you with. Don't focus on your weaknesses, that's too easy.  Focus on YOU and where YOU are strongest and feel the most joy.