I Overlooked the Obvious

by Crystal Paine

Sometimes, as a new mom, I seem to overlook the obvious. I wanted to thank everyone who shared help and ideas for training Kathrynne to stay close beside me. Realizing that I can train her to stay close beside me has revolutionized my life. I've only been "Tomato Staking" since this past Friday, and there has already been marked improvement. I am happier, she is happier, and Daddy is happier.

I had been struggling with a lot of guilt for the past few months. There are quite a number of responsibilities that God has currently given to me and I was feeling pulled in many different directions. No matter how hard I tried, I was always feeling guilty -- especially in my mothering. No matter how much time I spent with Kathrynne, I always felt like I should be spending more. Well, keeping her by my side all day long (except when she's napping or Daddy is caring for her) has certainly relieved that guilt! And, I am delighting in her even more!

Kathrynne is happier because she gets to be helping mama all day long and she has my constant oversight. Daddy has noticed a marked change in her attitude and she is already showing the fruits of our training by being much more obedient and listening and coming (sometimes, at least!) when we call her.

And, last but not least, Jesse is continually telling me how glad he is for me to be putting forth the effort to keep her by my side and with me at all times. One of the greatest gifts a husband can give to his wife is to tell her how much he appreciates her efforts. Jesse has told me multiple times the past few days how grateful he is for me to be working with Kathrynne in this way. Do you know how it warms my heart to hear these words from my husband? To know that I am pleasing him and thus, pleasing the Lord.

Surprisingly, I've been getting so much more done, too. I thought that it would be easier to have Kathrynne playing in the other room while I clean the kitchen or bathroom or work on projects that must be done. Actually, by having her "help" me, it keeps me on task more (I'm usually highly distractable, despite all of my efforts to not be so), I get more done, and she is learning right along with me. Someday she'll be able to do many of these tasks by herself.

Yesterday, I gave her a sponge and had her "help" scrub part of the floor, while I was scrubbing down our oven. She loved it and it brought me such joy to see my daughter already delighting in serving -- even before she can talk or walk.

I share all of this not to brag on any "good mothering" on my part -- believe me, I have so far to go and so much to learn, even in such basic areas! I share this, rather, to express my appreciation for your helpful encouragement to this newbie mom. I am so blessed to be surrounded by wise and Godly mothers who are much experienced than me who can give me guidance, counsel, and advice when I am struggling.

Pray for me to be consistent in this. I am determined, by the grace of God, to follow through and keep up with this, but it will take a lot of God's grace. Consistency is definitely not my forte.

Crystal Paine is a 24-year-old homeschool graduate from Topeka, Kansas. She is the blessed wife of Jesse and joyful mother of Kathrynne. Visit her site, Biblical Womanhood, for books, articles, encouragement, and inspiration!

We'd love to consider publishing your articles as well! Click here to submit your article and we will be glad to review it for possible inclusion on our website!  

Receive weekly encouragement, be the first to find out about sales and new products, and be notified of specials for newsletter subscribers only!

First Name:
E-Mail Address:

Interested in advertising on this page? Click here to find out how you can!