Now, more than a couple of years later, that book still sticks out to me. I agree with Max that spiritually, the Cross is the most important part of Christianity. Now, in my early 30's I'm trying to figure out what matters most in the other areas of my life. What matters in being a good wife? What are the most important parts of being a good mother? What about in my career? What really matters there?
I don't have the answers all figured out. I have a few things figured out. Time matters in the wife and mom area. Time with my family, showing them love, taking time to listen, taking time to make sure their needs are met, etc. With my career, it seems to be integrity. Unfortunately, none of that comes with an easy answer. I can spend hours and hours cleaning the house. But, does that really matter as much as spending time coloring? Does spending the whole day playing but not teaching my child to take care of her things seem like a wise choice? How does a mom with a full time job, a husband and a 3 year old find the right balance? So far, through trial and error. Here are some of the things that I have figured out so far:
- I try to turn everything possible into an experience together. I almost never cook dinner without my tiny sidekick. She has her jobs, her stool and a matching apron.
- We schedule a weekly family night with planned activities. (Most weeks.)
- We celebrate the small things. (The little one went 2 nights dry so we went out for a special pizza meal.
- We split the chores (80/20ish but it still counts) so that I have time for the important things.
- I work hard to keep my flexible job in good standing so that I have more time with Ruthie & Jared.
