Rev. Dr. Lakeya Stewart
“You make it look so easy.” I often chuckle when people say this to me. You see, as a mom of triplets, I often question my ability to offer equal love and affection to each child. I try, I really do. Balancing work, worship, home, pleasure, and rest can be difficult, but I am not special. The role mothers play is multifaceted. We often function as nurse, doctor, friend, teacher, and more without the credentials to do so! Perhaps the credentials for “mommying” come from God. You see, God has equipped each mother with the skills, patience and wisdom to be “all things to each child
Society can be so critical of mothers. I wrote an article once entitled “The Juggling Act” In which I shared how mothers are expected to balance everything and are often criticized for pursuing personal dreams and aspirations. It is often thought that mothers are putting their personal ambitions before their children. I challenge this notion as I reflect on the good my children will see from my perseverance, tenacity, and ability to accomplish that which I set out to attain. As I consider “The Juggling Act,” I am reminded of how fragile life is. One ball from the metaphorical juggling act can fall and it can feel like our world is crumbling down. I wonder if you know of anyone who can relate? The pressure mothers experience and feel can be downright overwhelming.
The Bible tells us that we can cast all of our cares and anxieties on the Lord because He cares for us. It is such a privilege to be able to take our concerns to the Lord in prayer. As I reflect on my own experience, I know it is the Lord that sustains me as I do my best to serve others and my family. One of the things that is missing from this equation is self-care. I am horrible at it.
Self-care is essential. I teach about it and I preach about it, yet, it is so hard to do. Finding time to do things for myself can seem like a daunting task. The societal pressure to continue to produce and do more is not healthy. The Lord is challenging me in this season to rest. I am challenged to rest as if my life depends on it. The Lord actually worked for 6 days and rested on the 7th day. This 7th day is known as the Sabbath. As I grow older and begin to mature in my thinking, I find it important to seek time to rest even if it is not convenient. As a mother, there never is a true ideal time to rest, but we must do it.
People of God, please make time for yourself. You should always be your first priority because without you, others cannot depend on us. I challenge you this month to be intentional about your self-care. You are worth it! Be blessed.