By Gayle Weber, Inspire Contributor
Talk about "new beginnings!" Can you think of much else that changes who you are and how you view life like becoming a mother? I can't! It has changed my life forever.
In June of 2002, I had a sweet 6 lb, 12 oz little girl in Denver, CO. My husband had been looking for a new job during our pregnancy so that I could stay home with our baby. When Gabriel Rose was just eight weeks old, we moved from there to St. Louis where we experienced a new beginning.
I had no idea how 6 lbs would change me forever. Did you have any idea you could love something so small, so much? I didn't! I can't say that I was born to be a mother. I had/still have many goals and dreams that I hope to pursue outside of motherhood, but being a mother has added so much color to my life. Like the book by Dr. Seuss, "My Many Colored Days," I had lots of pink and red days where I thought I could conquer the world. I also had many grey and black days where nothing moved and I just wanted to hibernate and isolate.
When Gabriel was about six months old, I joined a MOPS group. The purpose of MOPS is to nurture every mother of a preschooler (any children, birth through Kindergarten) by meeting her distinct needs to the glory of Jesus Christ.
I was new to St. Louis, so this MOPS group was a great way for me to network and talk with other moms. I loved getting out and having some time to just be me without meeting every need of my child. It was a needed breath of fresh air to unwind and recoup. Gabriel loved the time in the nursery and I enjoyed getting to know other women.
Within these relationships moms find answers for their simple, everyday dilemmas and discover a safe place to explore and discuss life's situations. MOPS helps moms grow while making a difference in the life of their family.
The goal of MOPS is to connect moms to each other and to share the love of Jesus Christ with those who know Him and those who haven't met Him yet. It's a safe place to learn what God wants for you and your family. Each year has a unique theme, so you will always be learning something new and refreshing.
Check out the MOPS website for the meeting nearest you: www.mops.org
Gayle Weber is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Management. She worked with Doulos Ministries in Denver, CO, for five years in a discipleship ministry and residential treatment facility. Gayle currently lives in Arnold, MO, with her husband Tim and their three-year-old daughter, Gabriel. They attend Concord Church, where Gayle serves as the Coordinator for MOPS and Assistant Director at Concord W.E.E. School.