God is our foundation and no other foundation will do. Good things aren’t necessarily God things, and we must rely on His wisdom to know the difference.
2. Let your family be your accountability.
Maybe you’re like me, and your inner voice can quickly become your harshest critic. You may be placing feelings and expectations on yourself that your family doesn’t have. So don’t assume. Ask.
I began asking my kids how they felt about my job when they were toddlers. I have real conversations with my husband as well. Sometimes, I walk away feeling like a hero. Other times, I walk away with very real examples of how I can do better.
I’m not perfect, and I never will be. But I do know this: I do a much better job when I’m intentional to pursue their perspective. After all, my career always has the potential to shift, but my husband and my children are assignments God has entrusted only to me.
3. Fiercely defend the time you have at home.
With today’s technology, we are more accessible than ever before. So even though you’re at home, there’s a good chance that work can still contact you after hours. Yes, every job is different, but most of the time, we must simply have the discipline to remember that work can wait.
Those emails will still be there in the morning. There’s no rule that says texts or calls have to be returned immediately.
Our families will be fine if we take time to be focused on work… but they must also see us taking the time to focus on them too.
4. Be humble + apologize when you fall short.
Even with the best of intentions, we won’t always get it right. So as my pastor always says, “When you mess up, ‘fess up.”
Hypocrisy does far more damage in homes than hard conversations. Some of the sweetest moments I’ve had with my kids have been moments when I’ve asked them to forgive me after I blew it. Repentance restores. Pride is what creates distance.
5. Shorten your approval list.
Most often, I find that when guilt creeps in, it’s because we’ve allowed too many voices to speak into what we “should” do. I remember very young in my career, a trusted mentor telling me:
“You are the only one that will fight for your family, so you align yourself with God and fight for them.”
Your boss will not fight for your family.
Your customers will not fight for your family.
Your social media followers will not fight for your family.
Seek God’s approval, hold tightly to the assignments He has given only to you, and trust Him for the results.
You’ve got this, mama, because He’s got you.
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For more from Michelle, visit SheWorksHisWay.com.
