Those of us who are stay at hom moms have probably heard from a working mom, "Wow, I could never do that. Kudos to you for being able to stay at home with your kids. I just wasn't made/wired like that." Now let me first say I fully respect working moms. It's challenging enough to stay at home, but to work and then come home and still have all the home stuff to do... wow, that's alot. But for us stay at home moms, here are my thoughts.
Honestly, I don't think I'm "made" to stay at home with my kids either! There are days (like today) where everything is challenging and cleaning up the breakfast dishes has taken forever, just in time for the lunch dishes to start piling up. It's only by God's grace that I am "made" to stay at home with my kids. It's a hard job, one you never really have a break from. I found myself grumbling and complaining this morning and saying, "I can't do this one more day." Then I saw my little ones playing together and giving each other kisses and joy filled my heart.
I'm right. I can't do this another day, but through God's strength, I can. I wouldn't want to miss out on all the little things. Staying home is hard and tiring and there is always more to do, but staying home is a priviledge and one I won't trade for anything.
I will thank God that I am "made" for being a stay at home mom and try my best to enjoy all that entails.
God give me the patience to love my kids through everything and enjoy my "calling" as a stay at home mom. Thank you for the opportunity to be here day in and day out with my kids.
6 comments:
I hear you, Gretchen!! I get frustrated when people say they CAN'T stay at home--almost like their decision to go back to work was made out of fear (unless the reasons were financial, which I completely understand!). No decision should ever be made out of fear. I agree that staying at home is a calling, just like I believe work should be a calling.
And you're right--without God's grace, we couldn't do it!
What Awesome perspective Gretchen!!! I can't say AMEN enough!!!
It is SUCH a hard job!! Way harder than I ever expected. Like you said there are ALWAYS dishes and always a mess and I am EXHAUSTED at night! THey CAN'T survive wihtout you and they need your for their EVERY need.
BUT, I can't imagine missing the little things and the joy and love OH the LOVE you get to experience!
I HEAR That once the toddler years are over you do get some time to yourself again :) New challenges yes, but not as physically challenging! Of course I probably won't be there for like 10 more years so I better get geared up for lots of serving :)
High five, Sistah!!!
I keep meaning to write and tell you that I really liked your words on this subject. It keeps popping into my head even weeks after I read it. There are so many days I think I can't do it any more, and it is only by God's grace that I do keep doing it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hey Gretchen,
I didn't know you had a blog! I saw it on facebook and had to check it out! I started blogging as my family scrapbook! I wish I had started when my boys are as young as your kiddos! I can't wait to print mine into a book. That is one of my Christmas presents!
Let me tell you, yes staying at home is hard! However, even on those extremely trying days it is a blessing! I stayed home with my boys for 8 years, and just recently work part time. Now that I am back into the working world I look back with joy! It is the best thing I have done for my boys! Hang in there! It is worth it!
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