Stepping out of the “mom” box

For the next 9 days I get to spend time in the most wonderful of places, the outside of the “mom” box. Not entirely, as it’s not a vacation or anything. In all reality, it’s an even greater effort than normal “mom” days. It’s that kind of extra effort that totally pays off though.

In my pre-mom days, I was a communications major. I’ve been using video cameras, editing and technical equipment for more than half my life. They are my passions, I love seeing the world through a lens and capturing it to share. Along the way, I’ve collect some interesting skill sets, some more in depth than others. A few years ago, when we moved to the St. Louis area, God planted us in what many would call a “mega church”.  I’m very upfront, honest and transparent that I struggled for nearly a year with this before making my peace with it and finding my place to serve. One of the benefits of a larger church is technology, so several weekends a month, you’ll find me in the control room. I’ve been volunteering for just over a year, and it’s been the best year of my life with my family.

Our church does summer like I’ve never seen before in my life. Some describe it as Nickelodeon meets VBS, with a water park thrown in. We call it JUMP. Something like 2,000 children will come through in 2 live performances of the story of Esther. So for the past 2 days and the 9 to come, I’ll be doing the techie thing, lending a hand wherever it’s needed at church.  I get the privilege of helping to place mikes on the 40+ cast members, and during the performances, I’m a member of the video crew, projecting the show onto large screens, so even those in the back can see it all well. I’d share a photo with you, but it’s super top secret, so that the kids have the maximum experience when they see the stories presented. (Isn’t that cute & thoughtful?) Added: I found these promo photos that were from last year’s production of the story of Joseph to give you a taste.

There is this amazing thing that happens when you get to step out of the mom box. Even though the labor may be exhausting, especially when you add it to the regular mom duties, there’s just nothing that compares to doing something for yourself, that at the same time, serves others, where NO ONE calls you “mommy”. Sure, it’s similar to when I craft at home, but the experience of being in an external setting and meeting new people multiplies the refreshment that comes from those few hours.

It’s incredibly exhausting, getting everyone up, fed, dressed and out the door. We all have a blast during the day, then home again to feed, wash lots of water park laundry and catch a few ZZZs before doing it all again. Saturday feels like hangover, but IT IS SO WORTH IT! For me, for my kids, and the thousands of kids that learn incredible lessons about God and loving each other.

Young moms, I encourage you, as you move from the infant to toddler stage, look around you. Find opportunities to do things that are completely unrelated to your children, find something that you are passionate about, something that connects to who you were before kids. Rekindle that, serve others, you’ll be a better mom for it, and you’ll be teaching your children one of the best lessons ever without a spoken word.