Notice: Women Needed

Today I was thinking about how lucky I am to have my life. It was 2:00 in the afternoon, and I was finally getting to take a shower. You didn't get to shower until 2 pm and you feel lucky? Let me expound.

It was 2 pm and homeschooling was done, the kids had played outside, they had helped clean up the house, I got to talk to my sister for an hour, the kids had played together happily and cutely with their Legos, they had actually enjoyed a healthy, simple, home cooked lunch, and they were now happily watching Sid the Science Kid so I could enjoy a shower.

I don't share these things to give the impression that all of this is the norm and make other moms feel like "Oh, great. I should be doing all of that." (In fact, this list is because they are accomplishments in our house. More often I have to convince the boys to do the sit down part of school, the house is a mess, the kids fight as much as they play together, they complaint that they would rather be eating hot dogs, mac & cheese, or cereal, and they come running into the bathroom yelling that one wasn't playing fair or "Can I be in the shower, too?" if I manage to shower or even get dressed.) I share this happy moment to inspire. I want to add my voice to those affirming that there are still women who enjoy being "just a mom". Not only do we enjoy it, but it is our greatest aspiration and accomplishment. No matter what else we may accomplish in life. Yes, at times it is the hardest job we will ever undertake. It's moments can also be the most rewarding. It's calling is always the most important.

It seems like so many girls and young women now get the impression that if they don't have a career or change the world in some huge significant way, they aren't successful or at least aren't contributing to the world in a meaningful and important way. This is not true. While many careers and world-saving endeavors need strong women, I hope that young women realize that strong families need strong women, too. Now more than ever.

I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with my kids. I would not be able to do these things if I was not also a wife. I'm thankful for a husband who supports me both financially, emotionally, and physically (not every man would do laundry on their day off or invent "trampoline math"). I have to note - since I have little boys myself - that we strong women can do our best work when we have the support of a real man. (Perhaps I can write later about real men.)

Even on those days that are less than stellar - the ones with messes and yelling and frustration, I am deeply blessed to be able to be a mom, a wife, and especially to teach my children at home and not have to send them away for school. I hope this is a freedom we will always enjoy. How sad I would be not having the privilege to witness their discoveries, struggles, and achievements; to answer their questions as they arise; to teach them according to their interests; to guide them prayerfully; to correct them gently knowing their unique personalities, circumstances, and abilities.

I have to admit there are times when my calling as wife and mother feel less than impressive. I run into a guy from high school who I know from Facebook is now some sort of movie producer. I listen as he tells me the interesting chronology of where he's lived, what he's done, etc. Then we get to the inevitable, "So what have you been up to since high school?" He stands awkwardly not knowing quite what to say after, "Oh, I'm married, and these are my two boys."

After some reflection on my part, I realize that it is not the fact that my life choices are less important than his that cause the awkward silence. Just as I don't really know what questions to ask about movies to really be relevant to his world, he's never had a spouse or child and doesn't know to ask questions like how far apart they are, how they like school, how they get along, if we chose to vaccinate, if I'm into natural cleaning products or yoga, if we ever get a date night, etc.

The point is not that one of our life paths has been more significant than the other. They are just
worlds apart. And that's ok. One is not the "right answer" any more than one's clothing choice is "right". (In fact, our world wouldn't even function if we all chose the same path. As noble as teaching is, we would all starve quite quickly.)

I don't want to impugn work outside of the home, but I do want to elevate the importance of the roles of wife and mother; and I hope that my one voice can join with those who feel likewise to influence a generation. Girls, young women, and women -- societies need your influence in the most important arena: the home.

 

 

PS - Lunch was these home made black beans, plain brown rice, and frozen corn - all mixed together in a bowl. I quote "Mmm! This is delicious! This is the best dinner you've ever made!" It is impossible to predict what these kids will like!