women of wisdom.

for all those that don't know, today was international women's day. for the 3rd year in a row accenture has recognized march 8th through a global webcast, spotlighting executives within the firm and bringing in prominent key note speakers to share their insights and experiences as successful women in society. this year it was gail evans; former CNN executive vp and author of bestseller play like a man, win like a woman. last year it was dr. mae jemison, the first african-american woman astronaut to travel into space. anyway, always an impressive and inspiring line-up.

i think what i enjoy so much about this day is that you see real women with real lives trying to achieve their real potential in this world. but that of course does not ignore that such great successes don't come without equally great sacrifices. i have seen through my own life the pros and cons of having a do-it-all career woman mother - there was always something that had to give. but as i have gotten older, i have come to realize what i used to resent in my mom, i now admire. maybe it's just a shift in perspective or an increased understanding of her own personal sacrifices freely given in efforts to reach that abstract work-life balance and "wonder woman" status. but like with every generation, we learn from our parents' mistakes as well as their accomplishments....

on tuesday, i got into a great conversation with a girl from my community group, d'ann, who is recently engaged and whose life's direction is in flux. we began discussing the intersection of family plans and career plans and the often paradoxical conclusions that result. can two seemingly conflicting goals come together in harmony? is it really possible to have it all? as a christian woman with ambitions both inside and outside of the home, the internal struggle is all consuming. does the ever-debatable question really boil down to a matter of personal ideals?

one thing i have come to realize is that we all, although particularly women, have a choice in what will take priority in our daily lives. as much as you try to balance work versus family, one will eventually preside over the other. years ago, my husband used an excellent "stone and sand" analogy to explain this truth to me - when placed within a jar, the sand will always conform to fit around the stones. so the question is, which one is the foundation and which the filler in your life? work or family? it might be an easy call to make, but a difficult one to live out.

as of recent, the lord has been teaching me much on the value of wisdom - not of this world of but of him, "for the foolishness of god is wiser than men" (1corinthians 1:25). unattainable through any degree or experience but given as a gift, i am learning to seek my daily dose. i know it is only through him that i will ever able to discern the right steps (and mindset) in attaining these desires of my heart - achieving personal success in both family and career - but it at least gives me hope.

oh to give me eyes to see and ears to hear, that is my prayer. the quest for wisdom as a woman in this world.