Life is busy. God does not desire us to be burnt out because we are losing our balance. Finding balance in work, life and ministry is important.
For new moms:
Becoming a mom for the first time creates many new pressures. When my daughters were infants, I found it hard to be involved in ministry at church because I would often have to nurse them in the middle of services. On occasion, I wouldn’t be the only mom in the nursing room. In those moments I wouldn’t necessarily discuss spiritual matters with the other moms. We would talk about whatever was on our minds: baby’s newest accomplishments, the latest diaper explosion, or our labor/delivery experiences. It might not have been spiritual, but it was meeting our need for adult conversation. Having a newborn can make you feel isolated. Having the opportunity to talk with others can be a blessing and minister to you as well as the others.
As you adjust to new beginnings:
- Be willing to forgive yourself. You can’t do it all, and you will have plenty of moments of screwing it up!
- Be creative in finding time for things like reading your Bible or checking e-mails. When I was at work pumping, I would check my e-mail. (It takes a little practice, but if you have an electric pump, you can hold it with one hand and type with the other.) While I breastfeed in the morning, I would read my Bible. I have friends who found the only time to read their Bibles was in the bathroom.
- Take time for yourself. The laundry, dishes, and errands can wait while you take a nap, go for a walk, or read a book.
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