Hello Loving People of God my name is Abby. I am a wife, mommy of three, and a nurse. Our family started attending St. Peter Lutheran Church when we moved back to Sheboygan in Fall of 2019. We felt St. Peter was the best fit for our family. We were welcomed with open and loving arms on our very first visit. The people and the ministries of the church were what we had been searching for and truly matched what we valued as a young family.
Months ago a message shared in a virtual service asked the congregation how we as people of the church could share our talents/gifts with one another. When I think of talents for church, music always comes to mind. Well, I’m always off tune and I haven’t touched a musical instrument since high school band. But the message had me pondering for weeks what gift a busy, working postpartum Mom could share.
Something that had kept me grounded during this “all in” season of Motherhood was my early morning quiet, alone time I spent with my devotional. A devotional that spoke to my heart as a mom in the thick of diapers, virtual schooling, and a pandemic. After reading it, it often had me praying, thinking and writing. I often wrote about Motherhood and the everyday challenges I faced.
I came to realize from my devotional and through my journaling that other parents, grandparents, and care takers were probably experiencing the same stresses, worries, and humbling experiences I was. And maybe my gift could be sharing my journey and how reflecting on these moments has changed how I have perceived and found joy in the mundane and crazy beautiful days of Motherhood.
So I hope that when you read my messages that it brings you comfort, or you can nod in agreement, or shake your head in disbelief. Maybe it will bring back memories and make you laugh. I also want you to know you are not alone, I want to inspire you and remind you this season will pass by quicker than you think. But maybe most importantly I want you to know that there is a village out there even beyond the building of the church, during the times we cannot be together in person cheering for you and supporting you from a far.
XOXO
Abby
A mother’s pondering heart
One early December evening I had walked downstairs into the basement where the big kids were watching Netflix to find a HUGE mess. Toys scattered everywhere. Legos, army men, lols, couch pillows. And Hadley’s art station was beyond that. Paintings, paper, paint, brushes, drawings, projects. None of which she wanted thrown away. But messes are a major trigger for my type A personality and I made them reluctantly clean up and weed out Hadley’s multiple art memorabilia.
Later on that night when I had quiet time to reflect I felt awful for the scene I made. How angry I got and for the multiple coloring sheets now chilling in the recycling.
Then in the morning I brewed my coffee, pumped, and sat down next to the light of the Christmas tree to read my latest devotional. The first line was Luke Chapter 2 verse 19. “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” It was the exact message I needed at that moment. I learned it is ok to feel overwhelmed by the abundant amount of “motherabilia”. I didn’t need to physically keep everything but instead keep that abundant about of artwork and memories of my littles in my heart as a Mary did.
Still not sure Hadley agrees but it made me feel better and it affirmed my need to stay minimal.
But let’s be real this adorable reindeer is for keeps.
