There are many ways to visualize the blend of personal and professional life that has come to characterize the lives of American working moms. Some call it “the swirl,” an image that emphasizes the chaotic churn of to-do lists. . . . There is undeniably a tension between professional ambition and selfless maternal love. But perhaps that’s not a bad thing. Perhaps, instead, it’s an opportunity for both personal growth and cultural renewal – especially if, as we grapple with that tension, we strive first and foremost to live out the unique vocation that God has given us.

Should the vocation to be a mother take precedence over career?