Ask a Busy Person

Sometimes I get focused on a specific goal, and I think to myself that I need to do only that; not be so distracted by different things. The trouble with that is that I get bored too quickly and never achieve that goal. I am feeling especially productive right now because I have, like, five major goals I am working on and developing right now, so when I get bored with one, I move on to the next, and before long, I come back to the other because I am excited about it again. If I only have one focused goal, I end up playing games and Facebooking, or something like that. I got over it sometime in November when I chanced to open Phillipians 4:13 and read all of the verses surrounding the oft quoted "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me" and I profoundly sensed the truth of it--that I needed to stop limiting myself and just go all out. If I do everything with faith and gratitude, knowing it is what I am supposed to do, nothing can stop me.

I did not set any New Year's resolutions. It just so happened that I got all psyched up about a couple of ideas in my head at the end of December. I don't know if anyone is even reading blogs anymore, but I am reluctant to write any details about my projects, not just because you really do have to be careful about your ideas, but because the more I tell people about stuff, the closer I am to quitting the goal. I like to sneak up on people and make it a surprise. "Wow," they say, "I had no idea she could even do that."

On the other hand, I really need people to come on board with me. I am thinking in gigantic terms and I cannot do these things myself. I need people who can get past their little hangups about how busy they are. I need people who have a sense of purpose about making changes in their own lives so they can change others' lives. Everything I am doing takes nothing away from my children. In fact, they were the motivation for my taking action. We are coming closer together because of it.

See, to me, it is not enough just to teach your children not to get into trouble, or how to keep their room clean. If you do not have a purpose of your own that reaches outside of your isolated circle of children and spouse, you have contributed nothing to the world at large. If you teach your children that keeping the house clean and raising babies is the ONLY thing you need to do, by your example as a mother, you are teaching them how NOT to be involved in their communities and make a difference in the world--and they will follow your example.

My husband thinks that by saying this that I am saying motherhood is not enough, or that I am minimizing the role like a feminazi would. All I am saying is: saying motherhood is ALL that matters is a contracted world view, if your definition of motherhood is limited to intellectual--or even spiritual teaching, as well as domestic instruction. You must teach them BY EXAMPLE how to apply spiritual and intellectual truth in the larger world. If you do not expand your own circle of influence beyond the home, you will not be able to multiply your circle of influence by having children who expand their influence. Not many people do that. That is what makes those who try so extraordinary.

Who will raise tomorrows leaders and difference-makers? Who will show them how to make a difference today? Who will join me?