Welcome to all our new CWM sisters in Christ. I have said it before,
but one reason this website was created was to provide support to
CWMs. Often, CWMs feel ignored or isolated. My goal is for you to
know you are not alone in this world. Other women are in the same
shoes as you and have similar concerns.
Please visit the CWM blog at http://christianworkingmoms.blogspot.com.
There are 2 new questions posted. One is about these tough economic
times and the other is about advice you would give a new CWM. We
have a lot of women who visit the blog, but few post. So, please
share your wisdom. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Interview
Crystal is a 35 year old married CWM who lives in the United States.
She has two sons’ ages, 2 and 6. Crystal is an ultrasonographer.
Here are some of the joys Crystal experiences as a CWM: I LOVE
my job. I have the privilege to provide parents with the first looks
at their children. While every minute of my work day is not perfect
the majority of it is filled with anticipation and joy. I also have
the opportunity to witness situations that make me so thankful for
my healthy happy boys that on some days I just grab them as soon
as I get home and hug them until they squirm free. I know that I
would be thankful for my sons no matter what, but I think my experiences
at work sometimes clarify the blessings I have received and make
me even more grateful.
List the struggles of being a Christian Working Mom:
I struggle when my six year old says that every other kid in his
class had their mom help with field day. While I found that out
to be misinformation it still hurt. I think the guilt is the biggest
struggle for me. I feel like I am missing everything. I feel like
the time we do spend together as a family is dinner, homework, bath,
bed… I try to incorporate family time into the limited amount
of time and try to make the routine as fun as possible. But stuff
has to get done, boys have to be fed, homework has to be done (even
kindergarten homework but that is a whole other issue). The routine
of daily life can get well routine. While I am going to the grocery
store at 9:00pm or folding laundry at 11:30pm I feel so envious
of the SAHM. For me that is the biggest struggle: jealousy. While
my six year attended half-day preschool (and my 2yr old will start
in August) I was the only mom who worked. ( Because as makes sense
most working moms send their child to day care and not half-day
preschools. I am blessed with a mother-in-law who keeps my children
while I am working). So I was surrounded by SAHM who came for pick
up in their tennis outfits after playing all morning or had just
met together for coffee, etc. What I would not do for 3 hours a
day to do whatever I wanted!!! What I would not do for 3 hours a
WEEK!! I truly appreciated your different paths segment in your
newsletter.
Favorite Bible Verse:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”
Romans 8:28
What is God teaching you right now?
I need to work on balance in my life. I have been all or nothing
with several aspects of my life (running, Bible time, menu planning,
etc) and that needs to be more balanced! I’m really just going
through a period of trying to get closer to Him. I feel like if
I get my routine and my boys schedules just right I will have time
for it all.
I just finished reading Made
to Crave by Lysa TerKeursts and there were several things that
just spoke to me like never before. I am made for more. I am putting
things before God (my two sons especially). God is always close
even if I don’t feel like he is.
Words of Encouragement for other Christian Working Moms:
You love your kids just as much as a mom who stays at home!!
Crystal thanks for reminding us how important it is to put God
first. We all know that, but don’t always put it in practice.
I think you spoke for how many CWMs feel in their daily lives. I
appreciate you sharing with us this month.
Final Thoughts
Sharing our faith with those around us is what we are called to
do as Christians in our daily lives. Check out this website, www.viewthestory.com.
You can link to this on Facebook and other places to help share
your faith. The website does a great job of explaining the gospel
story from Genesis to Revelation. May God use you to bring others
to Christ.
Till next time,
Kimberly M. Chastain
Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working
Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the
author of The Voices of Christian Working Moms, 2 ebooks and an
online Bible study. To find out how to receive coaching tips by
email daily, go to http://www.kimberlychastain.com/cwmtips.htm.
To find out more about her books go to www.christianworkingmom.com.
For a free, initial coaching session send an email to free@kimberlychastain.com.
