Jason and I, along with another couple who are friends of ours, decided to lead a college Bible study for the students who are home for the summer. For me, it has been magnificent doing college ministry again. We just finished a 4-week study on discovering God’s will – a study done by Andy Stanley. It was a great choice for these students as they muddle their way through trying to choose degrees and decide what on earth to do with their lives (I didn’t have the heart to tell them that I’m almost 30 and am still sometimes unsure about where I’m headed). 
Last week Andy taught from Nehemiah. To make a long story short, Nehemiah devotes himself to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, and he will not let anything distract him from the work he is doing. After some men try to get him to come down from the wall to meet with them, he responds, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” (Neh 6:3) I specifically thought of stay-at-home moms when Andy was teaching this, but it could be applied to anyone. Nehemiah is wholly devoted to the work God has given him. He remains faithful to continue his job and is confident enough to deny other opportunities that may pull him away. As I’m quickly approaching parenthood, this was a great lesson for me. I will be at home with my baby, and I already foresee myself having identity issues. This passage was a great blessing to me. When I become a mom, there could be no higher calling for me. I will probably do many other things in life, alongside being a mom. But that is my highest calling. If anything is going to distract me enough or cause me to sacrifice being a great mom, I want to have the confidence to say, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.”
June 23, 2008
A Great Work
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June 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Amen to that. Well said and you are wise to be aware and prepare for that mindset. I did not. Learning to now and I really have enjoyed staying home since making the decision to see it as a ministry instead of a job. The pay is more ministry-related for sure;)
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
It is definitely a high calling to be not only a mom – but a stay at home one! It is difficult at first, but so very rewarding! I would not want a daycare worker to be the first to have seen Clara roll over – which she did during the day – during typical working hours. Or the first to hear her little giggle – again, she did during the day. I know that some don’t have a choice – but it’s such a blessing to those of us who are able to be at home! Love you!
June 27th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Hey Casey!! Besides being named Andy – which in and of itself is cool of course – I’ve always enjoyed his thought process whenever I read or listen to something of his. Even more so, Nehemiah’s been a leader who’s gives me a vision of who I want to be. So while being a stay at home mom isn’t quite an option for me, I want to model courage, perseverance, focus and wisdom for Luke.
June 29th, 2008 at 5:10 am
Hey Casey! I can totally see where you’re coming from and it would be scary for me also. You are very wise to think ahead like that and I know you’re going to be an awesome mom. All the other moms are going to be jealous of your awesome mom-ness! Haha! Love ya girl!
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
So this is what I get for not reading your blog or writing or calling or e-mailing or sending smoke signals for 100 years. You’re pregnant! Congratulations! I’m so thrilled for you. And this post is right on target. I realized just the other day that my heart is SO glad to be home w/ our little one, but I can say it took a while to realize how fulfilling it would be.
If it didn’t cost three thousand dollars in gas, I would say let’s get together. Maybe we still can, but for now just check out my blog! I think I already added you as a link on the side.
Oh yeah, and I was just thinking of you yesterday when I took off my Reef flips that you and Jen gave me. I STILL wear them, and despite their heavy rotation I cannot seem to wear them out! I can never justify a new pair because they look so good. DARN YOU. Actually I still love them and plan to keep them forever as a memorial of my sweet friends’ desire for me to be cool.
Much love, Bec