It's been on my heart lately to be more careful about what I say. I'm a talker and a lot of the time I think of my words right as they are pouring out of my mouth. That's a dangerous thing for a lot of reasons. I'm wondering often now when I am offended or think of how another could be offended by someone's words I've heard or seen online; how many times have I said something that has affected someone like that?
It's a fine line to walk, as Christians we are called to spread the word and share the light, and not be meek but be kind with how we share. I am a very opinionated person on things of my faith, and things just aren't and there is a time and a place to share my opinion. Another thought is, should I have to filter my words in fear that I may hurt someone? No. Of course not, I dont have enough time in the day to think about every single thing I say and if someone could possibly maybe take it the wrong way or take offense to it, but there is something to be said about being cautious, thoughtful, and compassionate about how and when I speak.
For instance, a long time ago (this goes into my stance on "the Mommy wars") I know I talked a lot about how I would never ever ever let Brayden go to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup. Without saying it, I insinuated that if another Mom let their child go to bed with a bottle/sippy cup that they were doing something wrong. What did I benefit from vocalizing that thought out loud? Nothing really. No one asked me my opinion, no one was seeking out my advice. I said it to make myself feel and look good. Who knows if I offended a Mom in saying that to make my own self feel better, who knows it I made a Mom flat out feel bad or question herself (such a horrible thought!). Fast forward a few years and I am now the proud mother (ok, not so proud about it) of a strong willed little girl who goes to bed every night with a sippy cup. Oops. Thanks for that humble pie God, sure tastes good!
That's a dumb example, but it is one. I've been reading LOTS of friends/loved ones opinions lately on things like Common Core Curriculum, Breastfeeding, Co-Sleeping, Home Schooling, Private Eduation, Public Education, Working Moms, Stay at Home Moms,....whew. I have opinions and some knowledge on all of that but I've also been on the receiving end, of not very thoughtful opinions from other friends, and other friends who have been very kind and deliberate with how they vocalize their opinions.
My child goes to a public school. I'm ok with that. There may be schools in our area that offer a better education. I am ok with that. I understand Common Core is a big change, and no I dont know everything there is to do with it. But, we can't afford Private School, and if we could, I dont think it would be the right choice for Brayden anyways; we can't afford to home school, but I know for sure thats not the right choice for Brayden. So regardless of a law, an education system, regardless of the homework sent home, or what is taught in school, I trust God with Brayden and I know that he is Mike and I's son. Mike and I's to raise. Mike and I's to teach the MOST important lessons in life too. If I counted on the school system to do that, to teach my kid right from wrong, I was in the wrong midset when I sent my kid to school in the first place. I respect my many friends who privatly educate their children, the ones who homeschool, the ones who publicly educate. I support their decisions in what is best for their child, and that they are doing their best as a parent.
I'm going to save the stay at home mom/working mom post for another day because I dont want to feel I have to shorten it because this post is going to be forever long!
To you Moms (and Dads) out there, give yourselves a pat on the back. I can for one say, parenting has enough of it's "this is SO hard" moments without us getting down on ourselves or others! Keep up the good fight, keep chugging along. Remember the moments are fleeting and there are memories to be made. Have a wonderful day!
