Quick, before I get Sidetrack'd

Focus is not my strongest attribute; there is a reason I chose to call my blog “sidetrack’d”.

Prompted by some fleeting thoughts of going back to school (something that distracts me from time to time), I spent quite a bit of time on Thursday and Friday reflecting on what God has called me to do with my life. Much thought and prayer (over a couple of years) have led me to the following conclusions: I feel strongly that God intends for me to be home with Little and any future children; Matt and I feel that God intends for us to homeschool (though this may change…Little is only 7 months old, after all); I feel that my ultimate purpose in life is to be the wife and mother that God has designed me to be; and I feel that my highest calling is to glorify God in all I do.

These thoughts were called back to mind on Sunday when Scott, our minister, made this statement: “Jesus knew his purpose and maintained his focus.” If I know my purpose is being a wife and mother then all of my thoughts about school or work opportunities or whatever else are just noise, distractions from being satisfied with where God has placed me and what he has purposed for me at this point in life.

Might I go back to work one day? Sure, if that is what God purposes for me. Might I get another degree someday? Sure, if that is part of his plan. But right now I need to focus on doing the things I’m currently being called to do. I have books to read, beauty to enjoy, and blog posts to write. I have a home to run, a budget to balance, laundry to wash. I have diapers to change, feedings to give, a child to raise in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I have a husband to love, to respect, to live life with. I have a God to listen to, to learn about, to glorify.

John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” If I focus on being satisfied in Christ the other things will fall into place.

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party March 2-9! It will be a great way to find some new blogs, have a little fun, and maybe meet a few people you wouldn’t have otherwise. Hop over and visit.

5 Minutes for Mom is a fun site run by 2 work-from-home moms. They are always offering a few laughs, some inspiration, and fun contests.

Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer and the birds are chirping louder.

It is sunny and in the upper 60s in my part of the world today. We are in a warm spell that will probably be short-lived, but right now I am enjoying it while I can. The first warm days encourage me.

I love Spring. I love to see the daffodils and tulips in bloom. I love to see the trees budding and the spring green of the new leaves and grass. I’ve enjoyed putting Little in the stroller the last couple of days and going for a walk. It is nice to feel the warm (but not too warm) sun on my skin and not need to wear long-sleeves. This is my favorite time of year.

When winter is preparing to melt into Spring I feel an additional joy. Spring is a season of renewal and beauty. The glory of creation is before my eyes in a different way than in other seasons. There is a freshness to the air and to life that only comes this time of year.

I know Spring is just around the corner, and it won’t be long until I can wear sandals again!

Little seems to be developing a keen ear for music. When Bach’s Partita for Solo Violin No.2 in D Minor begins playing she stops what she is doing to listen. If she is playing and we turn on Miles Davis she will get quiet and listen. M was playing guitar one evening last week and Little dropped everything to watch and listen. On Friday I was watching The Rachael Ray Show and Vince Gill was performing. Little was paying no attention until he started to play guitar and sing; when the music started she strained to turn to the TV and was perfectly still and quiet until the song ended, at which point she went about playing again.

I don’t know what it is about the music that catches her attention, but if this trend continues there will be lots of music playing in our house when she is a bit more mobile.

Welcome to Sidetrack’d – my own little corner of the world!

I began blogging about a year ago to journal my pregnancy for out of town family and friends. When Little was born I let it drop as my mind was on other things (like being a first time mom); now that she is a bit older I’m picking blogging up again, but in a different context.

This site will still be a journal of sorts; a place for me to record my thoughts, observations, conversations, and the progress of Little as she grows. It won’t always be inspiring, thought provoking, amusing, or even well written; but I hope it will be all of these things at one time or another. Mainly I will write about life as I live it – being a wife, mother, friend, daughter, and most of all, seeking to glorify God in all I do.

I hope you come back to visit again soon!