I remember always having to answer that age-old question. The implication was that if I found the right career, life’s “calling” would follow. It resounded deeply in my generation. A career, a job, an occupation should be—will be—your passion. I transitioned from a psychologist to an economist to an engineer, but they all lacked that “passion.” I pursued and excelled in each, waiting patiently for the promised feeling to blossom.
Then Bella, my eldest daughter, was born. No one warned me that maybe, just maybe, my passion would not be a college major, wouldn’t have a syllabus, and wouldn’t require a degree. No one warned me that changing the world might mean neglecting my home and trying to find balance would be a daily struggle because excelling in one comes at the expense of the other.
Clarification Needed
No one clarified that my career might be the bread on the table, but it wouldn’t be my life calling. No one told me to expect to find joy in the simple things and in the people I get to share them with; the gentle breeze, a home cooked meal, and cuddles under the sheets. It was never hinted at that not owning a luxury car and not traveling around the world would be OK.
“Dream Big,” they said, failing to acknowledge the mesmerizing beauty of the small things, the small people that would tug on my clothes and give butterfly kisses. No one warned me that on most days I could be depleted but blessed, or that I could live weeks without 5 minutes to myself and still love every minute of it.
A Different Choice
I never imagined a life like this because it was rarely modeled and poorly advertised. Yet, an age-old book held this passion in high esteem and revealed to me the beauty that my previous worldview hid. It gave me the strength to pursue it with all my might and the will to make changes to my lifestyle and my wants. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new season, new challenges, and new opportunities. Not everyone shares my journey, but oh, so many do. Many women, like me, were sold a life-calling very far from divine. Biblical motherhood is not a distraction to changing the world; it is the very catalyst that will bring forth the peace our society craves. It is my passion and my calling.
Marby Iglesias is a pastor’s wife in South Florida. You will find her on most days trying to keep up with her energetic toddler and baby. Her favourite pastime is sitting down for a good theology book with a cup of coffee.
Is she a fool whose FEET walk paths of exhaustion and drudgery, to bring freedom to those who lay stuck in the mire of their own folly?
Is she a fool whose TIMEforgoes succulence, to mourn with the friendless, weep with the unlovely, and banter with the simple?
Is she a fool whose TALENTSfind use in stays so desperate, thankless, and lonely, that no visible gain is rewarded for the effort?
Is she a fool whose HANDS become those that feed the lame, whose LIPS shout the untold story to the blind, whose EMBRACE preaches Christ to a soul lying cold within a broken body and mind?
Is she a fool whose EARS are tuned to the singing of the saints in the eternal expanse, whose HEART delights in the sword of truth that rebukes and restores?
Is she a fool whose MINDis so rich with the words of Christ, that little else is uttered?
Whose PHYSIQUE is so laced with the integrity of Christ, that it becomes quite forgettable?
Whose SPIRIT spills out the compassion of Christ, that little else can describe her?
Is she a fool whose whole LIFE is so hidden in Christ, that no ambition is too rooted, no ability is too revered, no relationship too intimate, and no luxury too pleasing, to be forfeit for His sake, regardless of the discomfort?
Is she a fool who at the moment of death, feels her heart quicken with delight rather than distress, so as to finally behold His GLORY?
Oh indeed she is not a fool, when on that great and glorious day, He exclaims, “Well done, my GOOD and FAITHFUL daughter! Receive the REWARD and PRAISE you have earned in the city gates.
For her CHARACTER has become so deeply embedded into His own, that she has become quite undistinguishable from Christ Himself.
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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds of things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you all will appear with him in glory.” Col 3:1-3 NIV.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV.
“…A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30b NIV.
Andrea is a wife of 8 years to her shining steed Darren, mom to three beautiful children – Brody (5), Elyse (3), & Iain (1), and works casually as an Occupational Therapist. She’s passionate about studying scripture, discipleship, global evangelism, and ministries involving women, seniors, or human trafficking issues. Her favourite moments typically involve a good laugh with friends, great conversations into the night, and anything involving chocolate.
