Christian Working Mom Interview April 2008
Welcome
Blog/Online Bible Study
CWM Coaching Tips
Interview
Final Thoughts
Welcome
Have you ever had one of those days?
Today, my day went from bad to worse. It started off
with an emergency dental appointment. I did survive.
On days like this I truly need to seek out God and
his help, yet often I just bluster through. God cares
and wants to intervene in our good and bad days. May
I encourage you to seek his presence daily, may you
long to be with Him. Welcome to all the new CWM’s
from all over the world. I just have to believe that
one day in heaven we will recognize one another and
give each other a great big hug.
Blog/Online Bible Study
We have had some great discussions on
the CWM Blog. You can find it at http://christianworkingmoms.blogspot.com.
Feel free to start new discussions in the Open Comment
section. Let’s help and support one another.
The CWM Bible Study can be found at http://cwmbiblestudy.blogspot.com.
CWM Coaching Tips
CWM Coaching Tips are daily tips that
you receive by email to help you grow in your walk
with Christ. Take a few minutes each day to learn
more about him and how Christ can transform your life
in all your many different roles. To find out more
go to:
http://www.kimberlychastain.com/cwmtips.htm.
CWM Interview
Ann is a 42 year old married CWM who
lives in the US. She has an adopted daughter age 9.
Ann is a certified ophthalmic technician.
She says the joys of being a CWM are:
joys mostly come from the "Christian mom"
part more than the "working" part. Although
I do enjoy my work, if I didn't have to contribute
to the family's income, I would not work. I fortunately
have an employer who places a lot of value on family,
as well as keeping good employees happy. They have
been very accommodating in regard to my scheduling
needs, and allow me to put my family above my job
when necessary. It's kind of nice to use that part
of my brain again, too, so I guess that's a joy!
Ann says the struggles of being a CWM are: Mostly
fatigue. Being an older mom, I don't have the energy
I'd like. It's hard to come home from work, keep up
with school work, homework, after school activities,
and still get dinner cooked and keep up the house
and the laundry! Also, I'm not able to be as involved
with my church as I was when I was a stay at home
mom (I stayed at home till my daughter was 7). Also
the occasional half day of school, and summer vacation
- what to do for daycare. We don't live near family,
and recently moved to another state, so we don't have
a lot of babysitter options.
Her favorite Bible verse is: "For Thou has been
my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings, I sing for
joy. My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds
me." Psalm 63:7-8
God is teaching Ann to weigh my words carefully. Everything
that I do and say impacts my daughter in one way or
another. It's amazing how frequently I hear my words
coming from her mouth. Sometimes that's good, but
unfortunately sometimes it's bad.
Ann shares these words of encouragement: God blesses
our obedience and submission to our husbands, even
when we don't think that they're having us go in the
direction God would have us go. As long as our children
know that we love them, that love can cover a whole
lot of mistakes and shortcomings!
Ann also shares that she works to help make ends meet.
We have given up a lot of "luxuries", but
I still have to work. That makes it easier. I work
to pay my daughter's private school tuition, and to
make sure we can afford clothing, extra school expenses,
etc. We actually have no mortgage, and minimal debt.
Thanks so much Ann for sharing with us. I certainly
understand the fatigue and not having a babysitter.
Thanks for reminding us what we say affects our children.
Final Thoughts
Remember our children are watching
everything we do. How we handle stress and crises.
What do they learn from watching you? Some days my
children see a frazzled Mom. May I learn to seek God
during the stress free times and the stressful times.
Till next time,
Kimberly M. Chastain
