Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Why I'm Writing Mommy Resolutions


I like the word Resolution. 

I realized the other day though that there may be some negative associations with the word. When it is paired with the phrase New Year’s for example, the word Resolution may bring feelings of guilt and failure. 

So I’d like to explain a bit about why I’m writing Mommy Resolutions.
 


Jonathan Edwards is my inspiration for writing resolutions. He wasn't the only great man in history to write and incorporate resolutions into his life, but he is the one that comes to my mind first when I hear the word. 

{Go here to read his resolutions}

Mr. Edwards
photo source

For me the word “Resolution” brings feelings of challenge & encouragement. Even if I’ve failed at the resolution, there is something about having it that makes me think 
“I can do this. I can get back up, dust myself off and try again.”

A resolution can be taking an idea about what I want for my life that has been floating around in my head and defining it. Putting it into words seems to solidify an otherwise abstract goal.

A resolution gives me a target to aim at. 
Maybe I don’t hit it every time, or even most of the times, but it is so much more concrete & measurable to have a target to aim at than to aim at an abstract vapor of an idea.

That’s why I’m writing my Mommy Resolutions. 
To have something to measure my progress as a mom who is trying to improve her profession, her calling, on a daily basis. 
To have something to aim at.
To take my desire to be the best mommy I can be to the Glory of God and define what that actually looks like in real life.

What I've written so far

9 comments:

  1. Hmmm, interesting. I am a Christian Counselor by trade, and I have counseled a few SAHMs who have a hard time finding purpose in their chosen profession. One of the things I have suggested to them is that they right a "job description" so they will know what they are expecting of themselves, to have something to measure themselves up against. Sounds like you have found a similar idea!

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    1. A "job description"- that's great! I've started reading a book called Resolved and this really jumped out at me- "Purpose provides direction, filling every task, even seemingly mundane ones, with significance." Purpose for a stay at home mom is so important!

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    2. I agree! I have told my husband that the difference between a mom and a nanny/housekeeper is very small, and it's all about purpose, intent, and how I feel he appreciates it. You have to keep it all in perspective!

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  2. EXCELLENT, Mary! I'm still trying to figure out what my goals are supposed to look like, for this phase of my life, and God arranged for me to win 4 sessions with a Christian life coach, so I suspect I may be figuring out some resolutions of my own soon!

    Please forgive that terrible run-on sentence! I've been writing, and tweaking things behind the scenes, all day and I'm pretty much mentally done in! =)

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    1. Beth, I'm so excited for you for your life coach sessions! I can't wait to hear how that goes. And yes, I've seen you've been busy writing, tweeting and tweaking:) Keep it up!

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  3. Thanks for stopping by Living Tall :) I always love new goals and resolution, my husband laughs at me with how easily inspired I am. Best of luck!

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  4. You are an inspiration! Thank you for the encouragement to keep on aiming at the goal to become more and more like Christ!

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