Just read Ps Dinah's testimony, "Serving as a wife, mum and pastor". It's come as an encouragement as well as a reminder for me to keep the right focus. I believe this is what God wants me to know and to grow in convictions in these areas. Just a few days ago, in the midst of my frustration I chatted with God. I told Him how I felt and my confusions about the balance among the roles I carry; a wife, mum, leader, and to add one more a full-time pharmacist soon to resume. God did encourage me that it wasn't about those roles, but all He desires from me was that I'll continue to grow as a Christ follower, His disciple. And how do I grow? I do that in the midst of all these!

 

Sometimes it's like a battle of my mind in some decision making trying to balance all these roles/responsibilities. I quote from Ps. Dinah "On the other hand, as a Kingdom-centred mom, I have to learn the delicate balance of meeting the needs of the young child(ren) and yet not be dictated by them nor use the kid(s) as an excuse to serve any less" It is indeed a delicate balance. what I've found helpful is keeping a sound mind so that I'm clear about God's desires in the midst of men's expectation (including mine). I'm still learning and there're heaps to learn!!

 

Here are 2 points that I've become more convicted/convinced about parenting:

1. Babies are human!!! They need our time, dedicated care and love. Parenting is more than a task to fulfill, a routine to go by. We may make mistakes as parents, but we still want to minmize the mistakes we make on these precious lives.

2. Every baby is different. I'll learn from other parents but I should not compare their babies with mine. When I get this right, I'll be able to nurture by my mother's instinct and the Holy Spirit.

3. There's no right or wrong in sleep training, whether it's the attachment parenting style or the let them cry it out style. I make the decision based on my instinct about my babe. Taking the attachment parenting style doesn't mean you're weak or too soft that you'll spoil the baby, neither does letting them cry it out style mean that you're tough and a strong mum. I do what I believe in. You may wonder what I've chosen. Well I still chose to sleep train Elise by modifying the different ways to suit her. THis is my stand, " for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"