One Beautiful Dream by Jennifer Fulwiler is a book I wish had been written and available to me 21 years ago as I was transitioning into motherhood. As I have mentioned before, women coming of age in the 80s and 90s were not only given the opportunity to "have it all" but were expected to seamlessly and easily "have it all." Except it never really worked like we thought it would. For me, I couldn't give to my family and my career what I wanted. Working 20 hours a week was not the "best of both world" for me. I could not handle being pulled in different directions and feeling like Iwas able to give to "both worlds" what was needed and deserved. Transitioning from "the best of both worlds" to full time motherhood was hard. Who was I? What did I write in the occupation box on applications? Was I using the gifts God gave me if I "just stayed home with my kids"? Jennifer's book gives a completely different view on what "having it all means". It reminds us that motherhood doesn't mean letting go of who you are. Your gifts, talents, longings are still there and they need to be used in order for you to flourish in your vocation. My motherhood doesn't and shouldn't be a cookie-cutter, copy -cat of what motherhood should look like. Anchored in faith Jennifer shows us how our dreams are not in isolation from our vocation as mothers. Our dreams, our goals, our families, can and should co-exist. They are not mutually exclusive. When we use our gifts we create. When we create we fulfill needs in our lives and that spills over to those around us.
Although this is a memoir of a mother's journey it is not just for mothers. My college daughter read it while I was visiting her. I think it was a great resource for her to have in the back of her mind as she moves into adulthood. I also think it would spark a great discussion between husbands and wives. We all have "beautiful dreams". Trusting in the gifts God has given us and using them for His glory will fulfill our hearts and homes.
So go out and get a copy of One Beautiful Dream! You will not be disappointed. Jennifer is not only eloquent but very funny; plan on laughing out loud while you are reading. I plan on re-reading the book(something I rarely do) and making notes along the way. As I have been musing about this the last few days I have come to see something that I never saw before. Maybe this homeschooling decision was me using the gifts God has given me. If I embrace that thought maybe, just maybe, I will change my attitude from "I am so done with this" to "what can I do today to fulfill my need to create and give thanks to the creator who has given me these gifts."
It is and continues to be a journey.
