Mini Vans & Pride: Letting Go of What I Want for What Is Best

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When I was a first-time mom, my husband and I shared a vehicle, a white 2006 Pontiac Vibe. It wasn’t a big deal because we could fit everything we needed for our one child, and we still had plenty of space. At the time, I remember our first conversations about “the dreaded minivan.” I said the words that so many other new moms and young people say, “I will never, ever have a minivan. I want an SUV.”

Shortly afterwards, we found out that we were expecting our second child. We had also just made a big move and my husband had started his business, so money was tight. We made due with our Vibe even though it wasn’t so spacious anymore. We talked about how nice it would be to have a bigger vehicle with a window shade that offers uv protection, especially for vacations and overnight trips.

Before we knew it, we were preparing for our third child. The time had come to make the decision, to get a van or not get a van. As I was about to become a mom of three little ones, my views and thoughts had definitely changed. I no longer cared about what was “cool”. I needed to make the best decision for my family.

I have realized that when it comes to making wise decisions, we must always strive for honoring God.  We must listen to His voice and set aside what we want because He knows what is best for us.

We need to lay down our pride.
I’m not saying that if you have an SUV instead of a minivan than you are selfish and prideful. No, I promise to you that’s not what I’m saying. I’m sharing my own personal story and how I let go of what I wanted in exchange for what was best for my family.

I struggle with pride, especially when it comes to parenting. I’ve always been good with kids and I really do enjoy being with my children. That doesn’t mean I have it all together because I certainly don’t. When our focus is on being a “cool mom” or “modern mom”, it distracts us from our real purpose. God doesn’t want us to become consumed with worldly things or labels, He simply wants us to be a mother that loves the Lord and points our children to Him.  I recently wrote a post on What Tinkerbell Taught Me About Motherhood and I talk more about being the mother that God has created you to be.

We must learn to make wise decisions.
When my husband and I were thinking about getting a van, we knew that it would be more affordable, practical, and provide more space for our growing family. It seemed like a no-brainier but was I ready to be “that mom”? Was I ready to drive a minivan at the age of 25? The answer was yes, because I knew that this was the best choice. Now, we’re looking for affordable lifted f150 for sale online.

I’m currently reading The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst and it has really taught me so much about making decisions.  Here is an excerpt from the book that really stood out to me,

“Knowledge is wisdom that comes from acquiring truth. Insight is wisdom that comes from living out the truth we acquire. Discernment is wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit’s reminders of that knowledge and insight.”

When we are making choices we need to search for the wisdom to make the right choices. We must rely and trust the Holy Spirit so that we will become more wise. Sometimes what feels right isn’t always what God desires for us. Whether it’s buying a new car or getting off the couch to tend to our home, we must seek wisdom through God’s Word, mentors, and the nudge of the Holy Spirit.

Our family deserves our sacrifice.
We must sacrifice many things when we become a mother. Before we have children, most of the time we only have to worry about ourselves and our husband. When you have a child, suddenly everything changes. It’s a good change but it’s a sacrifice. You may have a harder time getting out of the house or going out to eat or even getting a shower.

Read more about what God has taught me about sacrifice here.

Being a mother is so beautiful in the way that we are putting someone else’s needs above our own. We are showing our children the example of Christ’s sacrificial, unconditional love for us. When we stop worrying about our own selfish desires and focus on building relationships with our kids, our family will prosper.

My hope for you and myself is that we will lay down our pride and our self-centeredness. That God would speak to our hearts and humble us through our parenting. Let’s make decisions that will benefit our family and not cause more stress or chaos.

Can you relate to having to set aside your own desires for a wiser choice?

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