MOPS-Mommy guilt talk

Today was MOPS meeting day. Yay!!! I look forward to those meetings all month. What's MOPS? Mothers of Preschoolers...it's for all moms with children 0-5 (pregnant moms too). It's a Christian based mother's group. We meet twice a month and the fellowship you get from the other moms, really fills your cup. Or at least I think so. It's hard to believe this year is coming to an end soon. I'm really glad that I was able to go today. I knew from our retreat this summer that the topic today was an important one for mommies everywhere, but as one of my closest, dearest friends and Coordinator for our group said, we were given several good "signs" that this talk was meant to happen, it's something that all moms whether we are Christian or not need to remember. It's been talked about for years, but somehow moms, including myself don't listen to that advice. And as we all know - when there is something God wants us to hear...HE keeps at us until we hear the message loud and clear.

This was from MOPS international email by Ann Goade:
" As a mom I spend a lot of time focused on growth. I monitor my kids' weight and height. I study charts to check their mental and emotional growth. I take them to church and teach them Bible songs & stories to start them on the path of spiritual growth. And sometimes I have time to show concern for growth in my relationships. Is my relationship with my husband evolving or stagnant? Am I growing closer to my friends? The area where I don't often get to spend much effort is my own "mom" growth. When's the last time I did something just for me? Without feeling guilty about it? I used to think I should devote every moment to my family and not to myself. Then I heard a guest on a talk show say something profound. If we forget about ourselves and give all of our focus to our children, we teach them one of two things. One result is that we'll promote selfishness by giving in to them & they'll think the world revolves around them. As awful as that might be, the alternative behavior sounds worse. They might grow up to be just like mom, giving up their interests & never pursuing their dreams. It's taken years of practice, but I've found that I'm a better mom when I allow myself to grow. That way, when I step back into the role of wife & mom, I'm refreshed. " This was eye opening for me.

Another one from MOPS international:
"Taking "Mom Time" is not selfish...it's a part of your job."


Like the speaker asked us at the begininging of the talk: "What's different about the job as mom compared to an accountant?" One of the things that stood out to me is, we are always "on". 24hrs/7 days a week...from the moment we find out we are pregnant, it's like a switch is turned on. We are always trying to what's best for our children, so that they will be at their best. BUT if we don't allow ourselves to make sure we are taken care of, that our cup is "full", then how can we do that? We can't for very long.

But we can't go the opposite end either and not do the best job we can to nuture and raise our children. It's like being the tightrope walker in a circus. We need balance. The talk was very eye-opening and soul opening to me....it was one of the best talks of the year, if not THE talk of our year.

So mommies tonight if you are feeling that mommy guilt or the stress as a result of that guilt, remember this silent prayer she taught us today: "Guilt/Shame, I release you. You have NO power over me. In the name of God, be gone." If you want more information in regards to the speaker...let me know.

God Bless,
Carlena