A Season of Becoming

I read a blog post by Megan Gilger -- a phenomenal designer and down to earth writer -- a few months ago, in which she referred to a season in her life as one of "becoming". I thought the phrase was so fitting. I find myself in my own becoming chapter these days as I'm learning what it means to practice love.

I'm in the process of becoming a good wife, and down the road, mom. I get baby fever from time to time, but nothings brewing in the womb yet!

An image of my tired, simply dressed, yet beautiful pregnant mother babysitting three littles while cooking pasta for three of her own comes to mind when I think of the word helpmate. I'm sure she had her moments, but she loved and continues to love so well. I think of all of the mothers who give up their passions to nurture their sons and daughters, and the working one's who provide for their families while somehow managing to get what needs to get done around the house. I think of wives who willingly cook dinner, clean the dishes, and do the laundry every day to serve their families. I think of female entrepreneurs who work at all hours of the day to be both a mother and a creative. I think of women who move despite liking their jobs so their husbands can find better opportunities. I think of others who rise before dawn to fill their wells by reading, praying, and journaling so they can minister throughout their day.

The way they give varies, but these ladies mirroring Proverbs 31 live a little less selfishly and a little more gutsier than I. Adulting can get exhausting. Add onto that double the laundry, dishes, empty bellies, mess, and baggage marriage brings to the table. It will cause you to need some "me" time to recharge and that's healthy, but here's the thing -- sometimes you might have a lot on your plate, but your spouse or kid might have more on theirs or might just really need you. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes we do need to sacrifice.

My husband has had a crazy caseload this year at work and he's still so good about helping out at home. I've been doing a lot of the household chores too, but I found myself getting annoyed at our rat race until I noticed my husband was getting into bed an hour after me almost every night last week to hold his end. Since then I started going the extra mile to take off more of the household load from him. I even went grocery shopping on my own one night, which is huge for me because for some reason I get anxiety at grocery stores. And you know what, I've been doing a little bit more inside and going outside even less, but I've been happier these days.

Being clothed in strength and dignity is a tough business, but I'm confident that He who began the good work in us will faithfully finish what He has begun (Philippians 1:6). Let's ask for courage to push through when the other one needs it, contentment in the little moments of refresh, and mindfulness to love well.

Below are a few verses for meditation

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done. Proverbs 31. 30-31

Read the whole thing. It's so good!

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24. 3-4

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. Romans 7.6

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12.9-10