Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from MOPS

By Kristin Grice

The most valuable thing about being part of MOPS is that it fulfills so many needs in my life. The women in the group have been a support system, a group of role models, and in many ways teachers. These are many of the areas in which I have learned to be a better mom and woman.

Making Friends

For some woman this comes very naturally, they can meet somebody and know exactly what to say and do and they are lifelong friends. For me it does not work that way. I am extremely shy when I first meet someone. MOPS has allowed me to put myself into situations with other woman and push me to come “out of my shell.” MOPS has taught me that I am not the only woman to feel this way either.

MOPS has allowed me to put myself into situations with other woman and push me to come “out of my shell.”

Being a Good Friend.

This seems as if it goes along with making friends but it doesn’t. Being a good friend requires that you make that extra phone call to see how your friend is doing. It is making a meal when your friend needs help because she had a baby, is sick, or her family is sick. It is offering to watch their children when they are desperate for a break. Would I have done those things on my own, probably not? MOPS has modeled what a good Christian friend would do.

MOPS has modeled what a good Christian friend would do.

How to be a leader.

Joining steering was the best decision that I have made besides marrying my husband. Once we start having our children, sometimes we forget our former selves and we get lost in diapers, food, toys, and baby talk. Then one day you are offered this opportunity to be a leader and all of those talents that you had long ago are resurfaced. What a wonderful way to use your many talents while still providing wonderful experiences for your babies.

Then one day you are offered this opportunity to be a leader and all of those talents that you had long ago are resurfaced.

Giving to your community.

This can be something that can be overwhelming for us because of the unlimited choices that we have. It is not that you don’t want to help but where do you start. MOPS has taught me that you don’t have to change the world by doing more than you can handle. Our service projects allow us to help our community and the people in it in a manageable way. When it is time for me to leave MOPS I will have a great foundation of how to find service projects in our community.

Our service projects allow us to help our community and the people in it in a manageable way.

God is good.

Yes, I knew this before joining MOPS, but this group has taught me that no matter where you are in your journey that you are supported. I have learned that it is okay to be completely yourself and that you will not be judged. I have learned this from attending our Bible Study and from the wonderful Christian friends that I have made during my time at MOPS. Trust me when I say that there is no better friend that one that has the same beliefs that you do.

I have learned that it is okay to be completely yourself and that you will not be judged.

Humor.

I was always a funny person with a good sense of humor but I have had some of my best laughs with MOPS mommies. Most of you have seen me do the potty dance during a meeting because when one of your closest friends looks at you and starts cracking that smile you know that you won’t be able to hold it in. I guess this isn’t really something that is learned but it will teach you to always use the restroom before attending a MOPS meeting.

I have had some of my best laughs with MOPS mommies.

I am sure that there are many more things that I have learned from being a MOPS mom but these seem to be what makes me a better mom and woman. I hope that you can come to our meetings and begin thinking, “what can I learn today”?

St. Luke MOPS meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month from 9:00-11:30. Living Water MOPS meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 9:30-11:30.