I often say that complaining without offering constructive solutions is just whining.
Well, I’m tired of whining about how the world views mothers. I want to be able to help mothers look at their children—not their degrees, not their paychecks, not their status symbols—and see fulfillment.
I may not be able to change society’s opinion of motherhood, but I would love to change yours. I would love to help you find fulfillment in motherhood. I’m working on it, too, but I think we can help each other. I know that for every mother that values herself in her calling as a mother, I feel strengthened and heartened.
So what can I do to help you find fulfillment in motherhood? What do you struggle with? How can I remind you of the true worth of the little and sometimes tedious things you do every day?
Let me know!
16 replies on “Let’s Change the World!”
I sometimes struggle with keeping my perspective. Intellectually, I know that in the grand scheme of things the small stuff doesn’t matter. So why do I let it affect my view of my “job performance” so much?
Great start: what do you think I can do (or anyone can do) to help you keep perspective?
I found you through mommyzabs. I love this article. Wow, what do I struggle with? Overall, I’m fulfilled as a mother. I mean, I have the 3 kids and I get to be with them and all that rewarding stuff. However, I think people take it for granted. People think that I’m just sitting here blogging all day (yeah, somedays I do that..bad mommy). I guess I don’t feel appreciated. How can one change that? I don’t think you can. I think that we mothers who stay home are called to be servants. Christ certainly wasn’t appreciated. So, when I think of that, I can relate in some small way with Jesus and that makes me feel honored. I have to always remember (maybe someone can send me this daily reminder) that we work for God and not man. We should find our approval from Him. Just my thoughts on the matter as a mom who also homeschools…
Thanks for the reminder, Michelle. It’s always important to remember that!
I am a new mama so of course I’m really struggling with this one.
Mostly, as a SAHM I feel like everything I do is so repetitive. (Chores, diapering, cooking, etc) I try to take pride in my job and channel my inner Martha. That can be fun, but you can’t cook five course gourmet meals everynight. Sometimes it’s pasta and jarred sauce. LOL
While I adore my baby boy, I find it hard to not completely loose myself in the “mama” role. When your entire day revolves around caring for your child it is easy to slip into that.
Mama K: I totally understand. Your comment actually dovetails nicely with another project I was thinking about doing here on MamaBlogga.
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I struggle with the fact that it’s a thankless job. I know we’re not supposed to do things for recognition, and still I find it easier sometimes to serve others over family more, because they show appreciation for it. OH that is REALLY BAD! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Sandi—Thank you for your honesty! (Hey, look, you got a ‘thank you’ today! 🙂 ) It does seem so much easier to serve the ones who express appreciation more.
I’m getting all filled up with ideas! Keep them coming, ladies, I think your candor is wonderful (and brave!).
[…] to answer your questions, Jordan posts Let’s Change the World! at […]
First off, thank you for your mission with this question. I think we as mothers need all the help we can get!
The thing I’m struggling with right now — feeling like I’m talking to brick walls. They forget everything I say as soon as I say it, and it just gets really frustrating, you know?
I know. My son’s not even 18 months and I know (and I know I’m only going to become more intimately acquainted with the feeling!).
It took me a little while, but I have another idea that may help there, too. Oh boy, this is really getting exciting!
Thank you for asking this question! I have struggled with this same question for the past 2 years since I decided to stay home with my children. I think the first thing I had to start to realize that there is value in the things I do at home. Not everyone has the ability or the bravery to stay home on call to their family 24/7. That in itself is a talent, just like needing a talent to do any other out of home work. I struggle at times with the sacrifices we have had to make as a family financially since I don’t work for pay. It’s hard to not want to “keep up with the Jones”. It’s nice to have contact with other women who are in the same point in life. We can support each other when we don’t feel so strong.
Stacey, you’ve captured exactly why I asked the question! And I’m here for you!
Hi Jordan,
The most important thing I do to feel fulfilled in my vocation as a mother is talk to my spouse (and my friends), but most importantly, I try to read uplifting books about being a positive mother. Right now my bathroom book is “Power of Becoming a Positive Mom” by Karol something. Then anything by Sally Clarkson is gold in my eyes! Reading for me is the biggest way I get encouraged about this very special vocation right now in my life. Our society certainly doesn’t support the qualities needed to be a full-time mom (patience, frugality, etc.). So we have to find and develop those qualities with the help of Christ and a supportive network. Best wishes to you and a great topic!
Mary—What a coincidence! That book (by Karol Ladd) was one of the prizes in my April comment contest!
I appreciate your comment. What I’m shooting for is to become part of as many women’s supportive network as possible.
Thank you!
I think that my struggle isn’t necessarily with the individual things we do as mothers – cleaning, washing, cooking, yadda yadda yadda – it’s 1) yes, it’s a thankless job that 2) when I’m done with, I’ll be nearly SIXTY and will be left with part time retail work for the rest of my life because 3) I stayed at home with my children for (by that time) nearly 30 years!
I treasure my children and know that I am doing the hardest job (the hell with Deadliest catch) but where will I be when they start their lives and mine is, essentially, over.