Before becoming a mom, I never considered how my introverted personality would affect the way I parent my kids. Even during the first few years of my son’s life, when the house was still quiet and my firstborn, calm little guy was my companion, it didn’t occur to me that this trait would play into the challenges of motherhood.
Now, over a decade later with three young kids, I see it.
Several days ago, my friend and I were sitting on the couch and I shared how my two-year-old daughter is in a phase where it’s as though she wants to wear my skin. Being in my arms isn’t enough. Coddling her and dancing with her is not enough. She pulls. And tugs. She tries to stretch and contort my body in ways it doesn’t move and was never intended to.
And gosh, I love her. But there are times when I just want to hide in the bathroom and pretend I’m invisible. Can any of you moms relate?
As much as I adore each one of my kids and being a mother, there’s a big part of my soul that craves silence and solitude. I’m sure this desire isn’t reserved for introverts, but I do think it affects us a little more than others.
Over the years, I’ve learned to sneak in those moments of peace into the day. Whether it’s during nap time, at night, or in the morning, make it a priority. But sometimes it simply doesn’t happen, and I feel like there’s more needed from me than I have to give.
It’s on those days I snap. I yell. And on more than one occasion, I’ve had to ask for forgiveness.
On those days, I need a reminder that there’s more available for me. Even when I think more than what I have to give is being demanded of me. Wait a minute. What?
Yes, more is available for me, and for you too.
This is exactly what my friend, Kristin Funston, talks about in her new book More for Mom: Living Your Whole and Holy Life. She’s a mom who walks in our shoes at this very moment and knows what it’s like to feel like you’re hanging on by a tangled thread of graying hair. But more than that, she delivers hope we tired, work-hard mamas desperately need.
As I looked at the title of this book, I must confess- holy is not a trait I ever use to describe myself. Even though I know my life has been redeemed by Christ and his Spirit lives in me, the word “holy” always seemed self-righteous and even prudish. Most days, my goal is to get the kids to bed without losing my temper when my daughter wants one more song or I hear the pitter patter of feet after I’ve settled in front of the TV. But holy? Me? It feels like a stretch, at best.
But as Kristin goes on to explain in her book, it’s not. And the reason for this truth is not because we’re so awesome. It’s not because of the try-hard, self-help lifestyle our culture tries to cram down our throats either. It’s because in Christ, we are complete. He created us as whole and although our sin separated us, Jesus’ finished work brings us back to our one true state. God pronounced us as “good” in the garden, and through his Son we’re able to become complete once again.
So how do we access this whole and holy life?
When we want to hide in the bathroom as we see tiny fingers reaching underneath the door, how do we keep our sanity? Well, this is what Kristin talks about in her book. She explains how Jesus wants to invade each and every aspect of our lives and how we can give him all those fragmented pieces. Not just the hour spent in church on Sunday or the part that works in ministry, but all of it.
As a mom who is about to enter the summer months, I can tell you this book is welcome fuel for the journey. It’s challenging me in all the best ways, while also encouraging me to know I’m not alone in my weaknesses.
Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned one, a foster mom or you mother others’ kids on weekends, I recommend More for Momas a companion and source of soul food for your walk. It will help show you the whole life available for you right now, no matter how much you may think you lack.
GIVEAWAY:
I am giving away one copy of More for Mom: Living Your Whole and Holy Life to one of my readers! To enter the drawing, comment on this post below. You can be entered multiple times by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. If you shared the post, let me know in your comment. I will announce the winner on Thursday, May 23rd.
About the Author:
With a passion for writing, Kristin Funston encourages women in a way that is relatable and practical, with a healthy dose of humor. She is a regular contributor to multiple blogs, including The Better Mom, City Moms Blog, TODAY Parenting, and Scary Mommy. She resides outside Memphis with her husband and three daughters. You can connect with Kristin on her website.
