I got a new job on April 13th: Mother! After two years of praying in faith for a son, Samuel Yosef Williams made his entrance into the world at 12:33pm after 24 hours of labor. (I plan to post my labor story in the next few weeks.)
Since then, I’ve been busy changing diapers, feeding, soothing a crying baby, and learning how to nap around his sleeping/feeding schedule. I’ve also been wondering when I’ll ever get time to write or read or do something (anything) for ME! So, I’m learning to multi-task. Right now, while writing this blog post, I’m feeding the baby…typing with my right hand, holding baby with the left.
This is actually the first time I’m writing since having Samuel. I’ve written in my personal journal but this is my first “official” writing.Since his birth, I can say my priorities have changed overnight. I’m the type of person who, if I don’t watch myself, can overload myself with busyness: volunteering for things, signing up for this or that program, etc. The first week of parenthood, I realized I can’t do that anymore.
I have to figure out my top priorities and stick to those, saying ‘No’ to everything else. As Stephen Covey, founder of Franklin Covey, says: “Get rid of the urgent and focus on the important.”
At this season in my life four things are important to me (listed in order of priority):
1) Maturing as a Christian
2) Growing in my marriage
3) Raising children to be responsible adults with a good character and love for God
4) Growing as a creative artist in both writing and the performing arts
To put this in more succinct terms: God, family, and work.
By setting these priorities, I know what I can say “No” to. Sometimes, it takes life changing events (like childbirth) to get our perspective in order.
Stephen Covey, founder of Franklin Covey, said: “You don’t want to climb the ladder of success and then realize your ladder was leaned against the wrong wall.” I’ve made that mistake before so it’s better to change now before it’s too late.
Have you experienced a life changing event that caused you to re-evaluate your priorities? Do you know what your priorities are? (Not just what you think they are?) Tell me about it by either leaving a comment or emailing me at info@preslaysa.comJ