The quote was on my sister's fridge. It said, " I am doing a great work and I can't come down." --Nehemiah. The quote referred to an Andy Stanley sermon entitled "This One Thing." Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and there were those who actively opposed him. They tried to trick him into stopping his project and coming down off the wall. Andy Stanley pointed out that we all have projects that we've been assigned. They differ, but our resolve and who we serve remain the same. My sister was deeply touched by the message. I thought it was interesting, but it didn't resonant with me...until this week.
My son is a high school senior. It is a transition year for both of us. He turned 18 so he began going to the doctor on his own and making more of his own decisions. Of course, there is the elephant in the room, we are waiting to hear from colleges. I have spent the last 6 months learning to hold my tongue and watching him do things his own way. I have used my health care knowledge to advocate for him in medical crises, gotten math tutors, encouraged him to make friends and corrected him when he needed it. I have been building my wall all along.
There have been missed opportunities and projects. At times, I questioned my lack of status and earning potential. My ego has screamed for attention. Despite my doubts, I have been amazed at the priceless revelations that have fallen into my lap.
I have questioned the Great Architect many times. Surely, I am not qualified for this work? Surely someone else would do a better job? The answer has been the same, consistent one: "This is your job and it will make you into the woman you were meant to be." It has done just that. Being a mother has made me a more humble and compassionate person. It allowed me to truly love without any guarantee of reciprocity. When my son was born, I had my own Christmas revelation. Like the Grinch, my heart grew three sizes that day; I am forever grateful and humbled.
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| Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for life. |
There have been missed opportunities and projects. At times, I questioned my lack of status and earning potential. My ego has screamed for attention. Despite my doubts, I have been amazed at the priceless revelations that have fallen into my lap.
I have questioned the Great Architect many times. Surely, I am not qualified for this work? Surely someone else would do a better job? The answer has been the same, consistent one: "This is your job and it will make you into the woman you were meant to be." It has done just that. Being a mother has made me a more humble and compassionate person. It allowed me to truly love without any guarantee of reciprocity. When my son was born, I had my own Christmas revelation. Like the Grinch, my heart grew three sizes that day; I am forever grateful and humbled.
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