Joy in the Lord

By, Lauren C

I've always wanted to be a mother… since a very young age, my greatest dream was to be a mom of five or six kids!  One reason could be that I'm one of five and very close with all of my brothers and sisters and we're used to a lot of activity going on ALL of the time. You could say I'm not very good with down time. My mom made a lot of sacrifices for us and always did her best to show us lots of love! I always pictured myself being a mom like this. However, my plans to be a mom were thwarted in my mid-20s.

I was engaged to a youth pastor after dating on and off for seven years. After planning
two weddings for 450 people, my fiance called off the wedding two months before we
were supposed to walk down the aisle. I was devastated and my plans and dreams of
being a wife and mother looked like they were slipping away.

I was always looking for my next stage in life instead of being content with where I was;
"I'll serve God when I'm married," "l'll really be happy and fulfilled when I become a
mom." It’s taught me to be content right where God has me; to serve Him and continue
to grow closer to Him no matter what stage of life I’m in.

God has us just where He wants us right now.

Let me encourage you to focus on where God has placed you today and not believing
the lie that you will find fulfillment and joy when the next stage of your life occurs. The
time is now!

My story continues when I found my husband a few years later and now have two
beautiful children. They keep me on my toes 24/7! They have lots of energy and joy and
it's so amazing to see their tender hearts for the Lord and their sweet simple prayers,
even at three and five years old! As a working mom, life is busy. I am trying to balance
life, family, and time with the Lord, etc… It's a work in progress, but I find contentment
when praying, Proverbs 31:31 “that my children will one day be able to say, Honor
her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city
gate." Another verse that always comes to mind as I teach my children about God's
great love for them and to see them loving others with grace and compassion is, 3 John
1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Sisters, let us walk in truth in 2022 and know that no matter what stage of life we’re in or
their circumstances, this Mother's Day, may we choose to find our fulfillment and joy in the Lord.

How are you finding contentment in Jesus throughout your daily life? I’d love to hear
about it in the comments.

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