Warning:Semi cheesy post ahead.
A few weeks ago, I was able to go with a couple of gals from church to listen to Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea) speak at U of O. It was such a great night, and hearing Greg talk about all of the work being done to help educate the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan was inspiring. One example that he gave that really touched me as a mom was when he was talking about how for $800, they were able to help a young woman become a nurses assistant (which translated to being her villages doctor), and after receiving her training, the village went from 9 women dying within a couple of years during child birth to 0 after she received her education. The night was great as a whole, and we went to Sushi afterward.. (which I officially have to say that I just don't really like :).
Now fast forward a couple of days. After hearing the lecture, I kept pondering what my role is in educating the world and other humanitarian work. I kept thinking about how fortunate I am and how I am not doing enough to help other people and how when much is given, much is expected. My mind kept rattling and I couldn't stop thinking about what I can do today to make a difference. To be quite honest, I was feeling a little down feeling like I am falling short of my potential.
That night after my kids went to sleep, I tip toed into their room to quietly watch them sleep for a minute, and all of a sudden as I stared at their sweet sleeping faces (aren't they just the sweetest when they are asleep?? :) I heard a voice that said: "You are doing enough right now." All of a sudden I had a moment of peace, as I realized that doing my best to nurture these sweet spirits and to help them grow as human beings is an amazing job. I have so many goals in life (going back for my masters.. traveling more, making a difference in the world and my community), and although I can do small things in my "spare time" to work on my dreams.. I am realizing that I can someday accomplish all of my dreams, but it may not all be in my timing, because the Lord knows best for me. I am excited for all that my future holds, but I don't want to get so caught up in thinking about what I'm not doing or what I want to do, that I don't take the time to savor the great point in life I am at right now. Life is exhausting but oh so sweet with our little family right now. Okay, cheesy post is officially over :).
10 years ago
7 comments:
Thanks for that post Kara, I needed to hear that.
Kara, you are an amazing mama and
I think you are such a great example to everyone you meet!
If you only feel like you are living below your potential once in a while, I think you're doing great! I feel that way waaaay too often. But I needed to hear your cheesey post. Being a mom -- and a good one at that IS making a difference in the world. They will learn from your wonderful example and carry it on when they are adults. Love you Kara!!!
Yes!!! I wholeheartedly believe that better moms make a better world, and there is nothing "little" about the contribution you are making right now in growing loving, caring children. And I'm so excited to meet those kids in July (finally!)
I just typed something but it got deleted. Grrrr...
The gist of which was...general RS Pres. Sis. Beck spoke to our area recently. She talked about this exactly. What you are doing right now is most important and will most likely monopolize your time and energy for a while and you shouldn't carry guilt for not being able to have your fingers in a little of everything.
It's like that philosophy of doing one or two things really well rather than lots of things not well at all.
So true. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the things I'd like to do or feel like I "should" be doing, but it's all about perspective. This will be my life for the next few years and that's going to make a huge difference in a lot of ways. And really it's just a short time. There is plenty of time to change the world later.
It has to get dark before the stars can come out...
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