Balancing "Wifehood" and "Motherhood"

As a new mom, I sometimes find the "mom" part of me defining my days, while the "wife" part of me has to take a backseat at times. Thankfully, my mother-in-law, Maria, who is from Romania, is living with my husband and me for a while. She has helped us tremendously with caring for our new little boy, Evan Christian, who was born on July 6.

The Lord has been reminding me lately that neither "wife" nor "mom" is my #1 title. My primary title and identity is as a daughter of the Most High God. My relationship with the Lord comes first, even before my relationship with my husband, and even before my relationship with my child. Jesus' exhortation to "seek first the kingdom of God" sounds so simple on paper... and turns out to be extraordinarily difficult to do in real life, with all of the distractions that we face.

I find, though, that I have to make a deliberate effort to recalibrate my life to be centered once more on the Lord. Why? Because  He is the source of my life and hope. When I feel drained of energy after pouring out my life for people who don't always seem exuberantly thankful (and doesn't that happen to all of us?), I have to turn back to the cross of Christ and remember His sacrifice. He pours life back into me when I feel that I've poured out all that I can. He gives me renewed energy and hope.

After my relationship with God, my "wifehood" is the second most important relationship. Although I love my own family of origin tremendously and am very close with them, I took a vow to be committed to my husband "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, 'til death do us part." On our wedding day, that seemed like such a romantic notion. It's only later, in the throes of dirty diapers and squalling babies, that we realize the impact of those words and the power of that covenant.

I pray that the Lord will encourage you today in your roles as a daughter, wife, and mother. If you're in need of encouragement, take a moment to kneel before the Lord, as His beloved daughter, and let Him nourish your spirit with His love. He sees you as beautiful, forgiven, set free, and cherished.