Friend, have you ever asked yourself that question?
I’m talking mostly to my ladies out there whose kids have grown into young adults. Maybe they’re still in high school, maybe they’re in college, or maybe they’re fully adulting in all ways. Although they still need us, they need us in different ways than they used to. We are turning into a cheerleader, a coach, and a friend, and we still have much support and love to offer our growing children, to be sure.
But you may be looking in the mirror and wondering, “Now who am I? Who am I now that my kids are launching into adulthood? What is my contribution to society? What is my purpose?”
Your kids are changing, and you get to change, too. You’ve got a whole lotta life to live. You have gained so much experience and wisdom over the years. Now you can share that with others. You have interests you’ve set aside because your momming schedule wouldn’t permit you to pursue them.
You are interesting. You are unique. There is no one on the planet with your giftings, talents, interests, experiences. “Tell me,” wrote American poet Mary Oliver, “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Will you write a book? Will you start a new career or entrepreneurial venture? Travel? Train for an athletic event? Take up a new hobby? Dust off your trumpet from middle school (or junior high school, as we used to call it) and play in your town’s community marching band? Become a school crossing guard? Volunteer? Visit nursing homes? Befriend a stranger? Start a non-profit?
You’re coming into some years when you have time to examine who you want to be. You have options:
- Live in the past. Don’t grow beyond it.
- Live in the now and in the future. Grow, become, do!
Take time to ponder and pray, think and journal. Ask other people what they see in you. Look at the things you’ve been interested in in the past. These are all clues to what lies within you. You were made by your Creator in a unique way. Live out what He’s put in you.
You’re still a mom. You’re a bunch of other things, too.
What about you?
What are some interests you’d develop if you had more time?
