Homemaker, housewife, stay-at-home mom. Call it what you will, it’s a job that often doesn’t receive the respect or appreciation it deserves. And it doesn’t always come from those outside the “old-fashioned” way of family life. I’ve been found guilty on numerous occasions of describing myself as “just a stay-at-home mom.” Of course, this seemed to happen much more frequently before I knew what it was like to be a mom trying to balance family and career. Yes, I’ve tried both worlds. And let me tell you…a million times over I would choose to be at home with my children.
Before I went into the workforce I took my role as homemaker for granted. I didn’t appreciate it nearly as much as I should have and I certainly didn’t look at it with the correct, Biblical mindset that was necessary for me to find true fulfillment in the role I have in my family. Sure, I liked being at home with my kids, but I spent way too much time on the phone with my friends and way too much time trying to find time for me. Playdates and mommy groups, facebook and text messaging. My kids were lacking because I was placing more focus on my needs and wants than on what they needed. And not to say that all those things are bad, but if you find yourself regularly turning on cartoons because “mommy needs to make a phone call” then you probaby need to re-evaluate your priorities.
Since I’ve started approaching my role as homemaker as a job rather than a convenience, I’ve found that our family life has improved dramatically. I spend much more time devoted to teaching my children. I’ve been able to focus on character weaknesses that each of them have and I’ve been able to devote much more time to their individual interests as well. I consider it a joy and a blessing to be in the field of “making a home” and wouldn’t have it any other way.
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