One of the weaknesses that I pray to overcome through Christ is succumbing to the “what ifs.” It’s not something I hide, not even from my children who see my fallen humanity day in and day out. Here is an article I wrote for Desiring God about my struggles with the “what ifs” of life, What If I Had Stayed In The Workforce?
Gospel Grace
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Thanks so much for the post, Luma. I was an executive secretary, and I watched successful business women, and other secretaries juggle motherhood and career, and I don’t think it was easy. When I’m tempted to feel the “what ifs” I remember some of their stories.
Amen! Thanks for being transparent. So often I find myself envying my husband getting to be at work all day without being constantly interrupted. Then I try to console myself with the value of my role as a mother. The reminder of who God is and who I am in Christ is a necessary and timely one. I’ve been trying to combat my what-if self-talk but you exposed my “positive-thinking-motherhood-is-a-high-calling” as the fluff that it is. Gospel, and more Gospel please.
I look forward to your follow-up post.
Thank you so much for your honesty, and for your reminder of who we are in Christ. I am home caring for my four daughters, ages 5, 3 1/2, 1 1/2, and 10 weeks. I was searching the gospel coalition website to find a nugget of truth to hold onto today, since I had about 4 hours of sleep and missed my time with God this morning. I found a post from your blog there. I really needed to be reminded that my worth (and sanity) is found in Christ, not crying children and a disheveled home. Not only that, but I have the responsibility to show my daughters that the only value worth having is found in the Savior, and the only things worth doing are the things that glorify God. Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to share solid truth with us.
May the Lord strengthen you. I’ve been there, I know how hard it can be, look to Jesus.
Thank you for writing this! I left my career as an attorney to stay home with my kids (we now have 5). I also have what-if moments regarding that choice. This was very encouraging.