What About Mom’s Goals?

Audio By Carbonatix

By Sherri Seligson and Tricia Goyer

As a mom, it’s easy to feel like our dreams and personal goals have taken a backseat to the busy demands of raising children. We may even feel like we’ve stepped off the path we envisioned for ourselves. I’ve been there too, wondering how the things I used to dream about would fit into my life now. My friend Sherri Seligson shares her heart in today’s post, reminding us that our goals aren’t forgotten—they’re just unfolding in ways we may not have expected. Let’s take a look at how God’s plan is always at work, even when it doesn’t look like what we imagined. I love what my friend, Sherri has to say!

Sherri

I was talking with a young mom recently. She has one small child and a newborn, and she is trying to adjust to what she calls her new normal. But what struck me was not so much the words she used but the way she said them…kind of like she was just accepting her situation as a hardship she must endure. She told me that before she had kids, she worked as a professional where she had a leadership role, and she felt fulfilled there. But with a sigh, she shared how she was willing to “put her career on hold for a while” so she could have children.

My heart sank for her. You see, I once struggled with that. Before I had children, I had a really great job. I worked as a marine biologist for Walt Disney World, and it was something I loved. But once I became pregnant with our first child, God called me to come home. Both my husband and I were on board with that.

I considered it to be a promotion.

Well, at least at first. The exhaustion combined with the glamor-less, sleepless, and praise-less work of caring for a child started to get to me. Was I sidelining my career? What would that mean in the long run? Later, when we decided to homeschool our children (who had grown in number to four), it didn’t look like I would be able to get “back” to my work for years.

Do you struggle with these thoughts? Do you feel like your plans were sidelined when you began having children?

You are not alone. Part of it has to do with how our modern culture views the work of caring for and raising children. But the Bible is clear on this valued and praise-worthy position. Leviticus 19:3 says, “Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father.” And Isaiah 66:13 talks about a mother’s great value and purpose: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” 

Another encouraging bible passage is Proverbs 31:28-31:

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” 

(Just realize that this amazing biography in the Proverbs is of a woman’s entire life. She didn’t do all those things at the same time!)

It’s clear that motherhood is an honorable and praiseworthy position. So why don’t we consider it that way? We feel forced to live up to both the world’s expectations of us as well as what God has for us. We struggle to “do it all,” but we appreciate the praise of the workplace over the praise in the home. As a young mother, I had to struggle with viewing anything that got in the way of my career as a sideline or a Plan B to my main focus in life. 

But I learned something.

God has a perspective that I don’t have. He is outside of time. He knows the plans he has for me, for and for you. So when he brings a change into our lives – whether it is a new baby, a job loss, a health issue, or something else – what if we consider that change a part of his good work …a part of his Plan A for us?

That’s what happened to me. Yes, I left my career field. But as I struggled to compare what I was doing before motherhood with what I was doing afterward, God made it clear that I was not putting my work “on hold.” In this new assignment as a mother I was not stagnant – just biding my time until I could get back to the good stuff. I was moving forward along God’s Plan-A-path he had for me. During this season I was maturing spiritually. I definitely grew in patience and perseverance, too. I had a stronger faith as we walked through a child’s sickness, financial struggles, and more as we clung to Jesus for his comfort and care. When we began to homeschool, I learned academics along with my children. One subject that I was weak in was writing, but I actually improved my writing skills as my children learned them. And because I began teaching science to other homeschooled students, I learned much about teaching and curriculum-building.

Through those experiences – as a part of God’s Plan A for me – I was preparing to become a writer, producing curriculum and books. Today, in this new season of life, I can look back to see how God in his wisdom had prepared me for it. I have the blessing to share with students all over the world how we can see God’s creative fingerprints in the world of science.

My newest book, co-written with author Tricia Goyer, is a perfect example of this. Now that my children are grown, I am continuing on God’s Plan A for me, using the skills and experiences I gained before I became a mom and during the years I was raising and teaching my children. Wonders of the Ocean Realm is filled with five exciting stories of ocean animals where I we learn about how these creatures were beautifully designed by God to live in their unique environments. We share spiritual truths that help kids understand the bigger picture of God’s love and care for them. 

It is one of several opportunities that have come about because of the path God had for me in my life! You see, my career was never on hold. It was not necessarily what *I* had planned for myself, but it was perfectly directed by God.

Do you struggle when things don’t work out the way you had planned or hoped they would? What if you look at the situation from God’s perspective? Although we might view our life story as a convoluted pathway, filled with unexpected twists and turns, none of it takes God by surprise. 

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” - Colossians 1:6 

God’s Plan A for your life never changes. So, ask yourself what God is teaching you through a new assignment or how will he show himself mighty in new situations. Jesus loves us and cares so deeply for us, that he is with us during the struggles we face. But he also is working in us through these tasks he gives us. It is a joyous Plan A that we get to walk with him!

Tricia

Sherri’s story reminds me of my own journey, stepping away from what I thought was my calling only to discover that God had something even greater in store. Like Sherri, I’ve learned that motherhood wasn’t a detour; it was part of the purpose God had for me all along. We often see the day-to-day tasks as interruptions to our personal goals, but God is weaving everything together in His perfect Plan A. Whether it’s teaching our children or stepping into a new season of life, He is preparing us for something beautiful. So if you’re feeling like your dreams are on hold, remember, you’re not stuck—you’re in training for the next great thing God has for you. Keep trusting Him, and watch how He works it all together for good!

Homeschool Success Course

Are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your homeschooling journey? Do you wish you had a roadmap to help you navigate the challenges and achieve success? Look no further than Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course! Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling expert with over 20 years of experience, and she has poured all of her knowledge and wisdom into this comprehensive course. In each video, Tricia shares practical tips and strategies for homeschooling, from choosing a curriculum to managing your time effectively.

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

• Create a customized curriculum that meets your family’s unique needs
• Develop a daily routine that maximizes your time and energy
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• Foster a positive homeschooling environment that nurtures relationships and builds character
• Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace

Tricia’s warm and engaging teaching style will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to tackle any homeschooling challenge that comes your way. You’ll also receive a workbook with actionable steps and reflection questions to help you apply your learning to your homeschooling journey. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected homeschooling experts in the industry. Enroll in Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course today and start your journey to homeschooling success!

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Purchase the course here.

Purchase the course here.