Can women have it all? The answer is, to some degree yes - to some degree no. A couple of years ago, I was home schooling my children. Lewis had me helping him with the business and as the business was growing, he was expecting more from me. At that time, I couldn't give 100% to either and I felt like I was failing at both. Therefore, I had to make a decision to either put the girls back in school or quit working for the company. Let's just say that my conclusion was not in line with Lewis'. So, I put the girls in school and started working with him more (that is an entire book in itself J). Which brings me to my point - whatever decision you make, the decision must be what's best for the family and/or the child(ren). If you are a stay at home mom or a career woman, don't allow guilt to swallow you up about your decision. Be at peace with your decision knowing that it is just for a season. For those who are ready to start their career or to do what God is calling you to do, Do It! When I started my ministry/business, I felt like I was the only who believed God had called me to do it. I felt alone but I knew God had called me for this season. One piece of advice my husband gave me pertaining to making major decisions is "when you make a decision to do something, you have to go into believing that no one else will be with you" - that way you are not disappointed when you don't have the support of your family and friends. As I have experienced, when God calls you and it is your season, God will turn the hearts of men. My husband, who denied being called to marriage ministry, is now passionate about helping couples. Although I moved forward alone knowing by faith that God called me, He then changed my husbands heart and united us to this ministry. God is faithful! However, when I decided to move forward, I went into with a decision not to take anything away from Lewis. I worked when my family was sleep, I hired help when I needed the house cleaned or someone to help with the children, and I started working with women only until he was ready. Moreover, the Bible states that if you haven't been faithful in that which is another's, then who will give you your own (Luke 16:12). This scripture spoke to me as a wife that I must be faithful in helping my husband to be and to do what he is called to do before God will give me my own. And even now, I start my day by working on what Lewis needs me to accomplish before I start working on my stuff. Can we have it all? Although you cannot give 100% to everything; but yes, we can have great marriages, we can do what God is calling us to do, and we can be great mothers. Can we go to every soccer game or dance competition? Maybe not. But not going to every game doesn't define you as a bad mother. The balance - is being conscious that you are responsible for your children, you play a role as a wife and mother which comes before any other role you play, and every decision you make should be what is in the best interest for your family at that moment. © 2008 by Jewell R. Powell is a marriage coach and author of Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith. Visit her website at www.marriage101.us for a free newsletter and information.
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