Attitudy Judy

My husband always cracks me up when he sees someone with an attitude... Yep, they're an "Attitudy Judy." Just a couple days ago, I overheard a couple of Stay At Home Moms discussing the troubles of potty-training, laundry, housework, and the lists goes on and on.... Yep, a couple of "Attitudy Judys." They had not one nice thing to say about their kids, their husbands, or their roles in life as stay-at-home-moms.

I felt like butting in and telling them how they sounded, but realized that I, too, at times have been an "Attitudy Judy" about my role as a stay-at-home-mom. Caring for pint-sized little ones 24/7 is exhausting work. Messy closets, dirty bathroom floors, and barf-covered sheets don't clean themselves. Laundry and dishes are never ending chores. Carpets are always in need of vacuuming, and the dust bunnies are constantly chasing each other around the picture frames. Adult conversations are few and far between. The hours are grueling and there are no pay-raises or promotions available. When I finally sit down at night, I realize, "I get to do this all over again, tomorrow!"

Our society doesn't affirm our role, compliment our choices, or encourage our decisions. When we look to the society around us to validate us, we miss out on the real stamp of approval. God always approves of selfless sacrifices. His approval is the only one that matters.

When I find myself becoming an "Attitudy Judy," I am reminded that my attitude is determined by my choices. I choose whether or not I am going to be content in my circumstances. My attitude toward my circumstances determines my perspective. That perspective doesn't necessarily change my circumstances, BUT changing my perspective will always change my life!

Focused on Design

Every plant flourishes best when cultivated according to its individual design. Some tender flowers cannot sustain life in the hot sunshine. Others will not fully develop in the shade. Even others need the constant care of a gardener; while some stubbornly refuse the attention and grow as they desire.

Several years ago, my sister and I spent many long days planning out and designing our vegetable garden. We wanted it to be both aesthetic and prolific. Many hours were spent planting, tending, weeding, watering, raking and fending off the numerous bunnies and insects that enjoyed munching on our herbs and vegetables. Strategically placed flowers and rocks made our garden more charming. In order to infuse beauty, we were purposeful with our choosings. Indeed, the final result was lovely and plentious.

Early spring and summer always remind me of this garden with my sister. Lately, I read several chapters from Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I contemplated the idea of our lives having a design, and how we, as women, are designed in a particular way. God designed us to compliment our husbands. He specifically made women to nurture children. As a wife, mother, and friend, I desire to live my life with focus. I want my life to show the design of my Maker. I thrive best when I intentionally focus on the perfect design for me.

We produce the most lasting fruit when we allow ourselves to be cultivated by our Gardener according to His design.