I'm often asked how I do it -- how I can be a mom to six and still make time for creative endeavors like art and writing, while also running a business. The shortest answer is this: I didn't for many years. It looked different in various seasons, and most importantly -- I have lots of help (more on that another time!)
We moms tend to think that it's all or nothing; that we must either throw ourselves into mothering or fully into career, a creative pursuit, or business. We sometimes think that making time for one assumes the demise of the other, but that's simply not true.
I spent the first 12 years of motherhood learning how to be a wife and mom. The days were full and nights were short as one or two were always in diapers for the last 14.5 years. I had to learn to rest, again and again. The Lord used motherhood to sanctify me and continues to do so. There was little room for art, but I snuck it in to nap times, evenings, and weekends.
I don't think I understood it then like I do now, but somehow: We get to reflect our Maker's artistry, we just have to change the means in which we do so in various seasons. Whether it's with a sewing machine or supper ingredients, we can use what time and resources we have to do the most with our giftings. It just may not look the way we expect it to.
I'm honored that part of my story is told by the authors of Life Creative: Inspiration For Today's Renaissance Mom, Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart. Life Creative, which releases today, is a book in celebration of motherhood woven together with creativity. Wendy and Kelli know what it is to long to create as moms, and they share encouragement for us to do so in various seasons of our lives. It's a book to inspire women to embrace both by God's grace and for His glory, because motherhood and creativity are certainly not exclusive of one another.
Are you a Renaissance mom? Are you a creative, desiring to see how God will use your giftings alongside your calling of motherhood? I pray you'll be encouraged to be equally bold and patient, content yet curious. Our gracious God made you uniquely you...and He's writing a beautiful story through your giftings, friend.
Because of grace,
