Having the baby with us takes lots of forethought.We left at 8:30am (we planned to leave at 5:30am) and arrived in South Carolina 8 hours later. It typically takes us about 6–7 hours to get to SC. We stopped every couple hours to feed and change him.  

Having a child has made me more organized and mindful of my time. I’ve learned to multi-task and get lots of things done in a short period of time. So the baby is a blessing in more ways than one.  Preslaysa

I thought about the verse in Psalms which says: “He makes the barren woman to keep house and be a joyful mother of children” (Psalm 113:9). I prayed that scripture for a long time, believing I would have a son. I’d confess this scripture to myself daily, renewing my mind to the idea of becoming a mother but I didn’t see any results.

After having a miscarriage two years ago, it seemed like I would never have a child. I started to grow comfortable with the idea of being childless for the rest of my life. But God had other plans. He has expanded the family my husband and I started seven years ago. The scripture I said to myself was a seed - incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23). Seeds take time to mature and grow. If you feel hopeless about a situation in your life, keep the faith.

Blessings to all the mothers out there.

Preslaysa

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