It is becoming apparent to me that people in my general sphere of influence view stay-at-home moms in varying degrees of negative light.
My reaction to this is: WHY?!?
I'm on the other side of that spectrum right now. I work 40+ hours a week, away from home and my kids all week long. I commute at least 1.5 hrs a day on top of those 40 hours. I see my kids for maybe 3-4 hours each week night. Weekends are almost always crazy with social events to attend... And when I finally get some downtime, I'm so tired sometimes that I'm hardly conscious, despite being physically awake. Yet I love my job, the company I work for, I've got a great boss and I have some very cool colleagues... So it's kind of a hard place to be. Some people may look at this kind of life and think that it's actually pretty ideal, right? Good job, great family... I've got a good gig... Right?
Well... it all depends on the angle at which you're examining it... What do you consider most important? People on the outside looking in, who have minimal background on my life and my values, are at this time weighing in on the other side of the scale.
People on the outskirts of my personal life have either reacted in a very skeptical way or with mixed emotions. It's been "Do you really think that's a good idea?" or "Yeah, It'll be good for you to be home with the kids... for a little while.,,"
And I'm thinking in my head, "Uh, because you happen to know anything about where my fulfillment and joy come from?"
The fact of the matter is this: As a woman, I applaud the stay-at-home moms who hold it all together for their families, who raise good kids, and support their husbands and children in ways only a good mother can. We need more women like that. And when I'm finally settled in that role, I want to be that kind of a woman, wife and mother. And of course, you don't have to be a stay-at-home mom to be a good mom. Not all moms and families can make it work such that mom can be at home, and that's a different story in itself. We have to be faithful on the paths the Lord has led us to and is leading us on, whatever that may be. And for me, I feel that I can be most effective as a mom if I'm at home with my little ones. The main motivation for my wanting to stay home full time with my kids as long as possible is found in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:11-31 NIV)
I want to be that woman. And I truly feel that I cannot fulfill that calling at this time in my life if I can't have a more influential and ever present role in my kids' life and in my home. And because of my faith in Jesus, I know that if I strive to be the woman He wants me to be, He will bless me. And that includes providing for my family's needs even if I don't have a 9-5 job.
My trust is in the Lord and my hope lies in His promises.
So, WHY NOT?
Why not follow Him down the path He has set before me?
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