The First Ever Buzzard Blog Guest Post: Taylor Buzzard
This is a guest post by Taylor Buzzard.
Greetings, Buzzard Blog readers!
I am honored to have been invited by my husband to try out guest-blogging. It’s kind of like guest-starring on a TV show, but much more exciting. How so? My name won’t flash on the screen for a millisecond only to be forgotten. Rather, my article will be front and center for a whole day! Hopefully I can come up with something worthwhile to share so as not to waste your time.
A good way to kick off this venture might be to share a bit about how this guest-blogging gig all came to pass…
Throughout my life, I have been an achiever. I thrive on applying myself and seeing results. These characteristics held true as a student, as an athlete, and as a young newlywed working in youth ministry. I like to work hard and I like to create.
Over the past year and a half, I have experienced the immense joy of being a mother for the first time. I love this role. My first-born son, Cru, is 19 months old, and another son is due to arrive in 4 months. I did not grow up dreaming of marriage and family, and I certainly did not have my childrens’ names picked out by the time I reached high school (like some girls do). To be honest, I was intimidated by the motherhood task before me, and not certain of how I would perform. But, the Lord is faithful! He has channeled his joy through my son and directly into my heart, filling me up with awe of his glory to levels that I never could have imagined. I get so much delight from being a mom—it has become my surprise passion. I love feeding my son. I love bathing my son. I love chasing my son around our condo complex parking lot. I love taking him around town and observing him catch strangers’ eyes and strike up toddler conversation. I love telling him about Jesus. And I am so edified by our decision that I stay home to raise our children.
But, the past few months I have begun to feel a bit antsy. I have struggled with feeling useless, and doubting that I am using my energy and abilities to the extent that God desires. It has taken quite a bit of prayer and conversation to get to the bottom of “why”, but the mystery has been solved: I need an outlet, a way to continue using my gifts as in the days of old, to apply myself and to create on an adult level.
In my husband’s quest to find a solution, he kindly offered that I consider guest-writing for his blog. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and haven’t done it for some time. So, here I am! I’m a bit rusty, but I should get warmed up here in no time. Hopefully you blog readers will enjoy a bit of a feminine touch and perspective from time to time. And, I’d love to hear from mothers out there who have had similar struggles—comment away! Look out for an upcoming post with my reflections on Ted Tripp’s book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart.
~ Taylor Buzzard
This is really exciting Tay. I have so enjoyed the things I’ve read which you have written and you will be a very fun voice to read on this Blog. Love the photo and I’m looking forward to your reflections on that book. By the way, when Justin was about the same age as Cru I felt much the same way and I even have a journal post (which I won’t share here) to prove it.
Hi Taylor,
What a wonderful post! I hear in you a wonderful balance of deep love and contentment being a devoted mother, as well as an open heart and inner awareness to the gifts and passions to write and express that God has given you. I look forward to your posts in the future.
I too felt the same way…being 100% grateful with being a mom, while still wanting to express the gifts God’s given me.
Many Blessings to you in listening to your heart, both at home and in blogging!
Hi Taylor,
Great post–thanks for your vulnerability. I know God will bless your sincere desire to give your son(s) the best by surprising you with such opportunities to express yourself. I look forward to your post on Tripp’s book–that book has encouraged (and convicted) me a lot over the years:o)
Thanks for sharing “the real deal”, T-bird. I love to watch you mother Cru- it is a worthy cause!
Thanks for sharing your heart, Taylor. I share that immense joy you described in raising our own kids. It has not gotten more boring or routine over the years, it has gotten much more exciting and challenging. Shepherding a Child’s Heart has been an instrumental book in our parenting; I can’t wait to see learn how it is touching you.
The 2 verses that have sustained me the most over the years are:
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Even changing diapers can be done in the name of Jesus!
And, “Do not become weary in doing good for in the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.” Not giving up is the key! The harvest sometimes seems a long time coming, doesn’t it?
God bless you, and all the mothers like you, who put raising their children at the top of the list of heavenly, and earthly, priorities. He will bless you, and your family, immeasurably!
Thanks, everyone, for all of the encouraging words!
Taylor,
I don’t know you personally – but my husband, a faithful reader of your husband’s blog, sent me a link to yesterday’s post. He knew it would be relevant to my heart – as a stay at home mom who was once an attorney and very involved in youth ministry! I still struggle with the balance of putting my family and home first – yet, also having a desire to serve the Lord with my gifts in some other ways too in our community and church. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your heart. I am so looking forward to your future posts!
Glad to see you writing here, Taylor! and praise God for providing a venue for you to glorify Him with your gifts. Maybe this can be the start of some deep reflection and emphasis on the oft-forgotten ministry of stay-at-home moms in the Church?
Tay, what a pleasant surprise to see your post yesterday! (Justin, don’t take that personally) I loved your honesty. I have always admired your passion and commitment to being a stay-at-home mom. Your love for the Lord and your family shine through.(even from afar)
You are one of the most intelligent people I know and I understand the restlessness of not having an outlet for that. The commitment to motherhood without losing one’s identity and purpose is a precarious balance every woman has to discover. May your guest blogging be the first of many outlets that fulfills you! Hang in there!
Taylor,
I think you show a great example of what it looks like to support a husband selflessly and a good example to men of what to look for when seeking a wife.
Hey Tayla! Great post girl – I also admire your decision and know that Cru and your little son on the way will always be grateful for your choice! You are truly an example to me! Love, Sus
Taylor,
Great post. Thanks for thoughtfully verbalizing what many “driven” and “successful” moms struggle with. I know my wife has and is wrestling with the same things. She has also read that book and it really helped but some things into perspective. Blessings on you and your ministry to Justin, Cru, new baby, and to women everywhere!
My hat’s off to you. I am a firm believer in having a parent at home raising the children. Having done so myself, I understand your yearnings. I’m looking forward to the review of the book. I am unfamiliar with that book, but I love to pass on books – anything to encourage young parents. Thanks for sharing.
Good for you Taylor. I hope that this outlet will lead to other surprise outlets. We are better moms to our precious children when we listen to ourselves and satisfy longings in our hearts. My mom reminds me constantly that these years when your children are home with you full time before they go to school are SO short and SO fast – know that time will afford you more opportunities to explore and develop your passions down the road too. Thanks for writing!
Hi Taylor,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt blog!! I can relate 100%. I too struggle daily with my greatest calling of motherhood; while I cherish every moment, I also desire to do more and to make an impact beyond my home. I know that this is a learning curve and God will continue to show us where he can use us and where he is calling us to serve beyond our husbands and children. I know that it will take many years to learn, perhaps a lifetime! I am also currently reading “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”, I’m excited to see your thoughts on the book. So far I have loved it, I especially appreciate how Tedd uses scripture to back up every point he makes. Love ya girl! I hope we can get together soon with our little ones!!
Thanks for sharing!
I too am a stay-at-home mommy. My little ones are 5,4,and almost 3. I am currently reading The Mission of Motherhood, and am feeling incredibly blessed by the author’s perspective.
A verse that has really helped me in the days where being “just a mom” seems less fulfilling, or God-glorifying than dying in the jungle might be, is 1 Corinthians 7:17 “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” Knowing that being a mom and wife is what God has lead me to, and knowing that this is my “assignment” makes it so much easier to not get upset with myself on the days when I get nothing more done than changing diapers and making lego castles….
It is so good to know there are other mommys who feel the same struggles! Thank you for your openness!
