prairiemom

The Benefits of our Calling

     This morning I read a wonderful post written by Rellamom about the benefits of being an at-home wife and mother.

     We all have our own list of reasons why our choice is precious to us, so after a little pondering, I thought I would mention some of mine.  It dawned on me that any calling from God is never easy, but always satisfying when our focus remains on Him.

     So, why do I turn my back on society's seductive call to work out of the home and have more independence? I was raised to believe that being a career woman was the best choice, but something came against all the feminist training I received growing up. What was it?

     First I became a believer in Jesus Christ and began to search the Word for guidance in my life rather than following the world's patterns.

      Then I became a mom.

     I have done some part-time work since I have been a mother, but I have not worked full-time since children entered our home.  Health issues cause me to fatigue easily and I have learned a long time ago that I want my family to benefit from my energy rather than giving it to an employer and returning home in the evenings with little stamina left over.

     My husband prefers to have me at home because the previously mentioned lack of energy causes me to be less patient if I over-do. After a day at the office, he doesn't want to come home to a wiped-out wife.  Plus, I'm sick less frequently when I don't over-work.

     David appreciates homecooking, especially homemade bread. Having a bed made up with clean sheets to crawl into in a pleasure for him. Showering in a clean bathroom and using clean towels is something he enjoys. People comment on the lunches he takes to work with him and he's appreciative of getting to take nice meals with him.

     My 18 year old likes coming home to Mom rather than an empty house. Since I have been at home, I have been able to teach her extensively in the homemaking department. When she goes to Bible college, cooking, laundry and budgeting won't be new to her.  We are able to talk over the many situations teens face and pray over the circumstances. She says it has impacted her very positively to see me in the Word over the years.

     When Jonathan came home from the hospital, a little over 6 years ago, he was on oxygen and a heart monitor. I had to keep him quarantined for 9 months to avoid his catching illnesses. Even after that, he was frequently sick.  I was so grateful to be able to be home with him through many ear infections and then asthma trouble. He's quite healthy now, although he came down with a nasty stuffy nose and fever last night. I have him eating some ice cream and he's watching the old Parent Trap with Haley Mills in it.

     As for myself, I'm glad I don't have to spend my days sitting at someone's computer in an office away from home. I love to have my hands in bread dough and my garden. I would rather push a lawn mower and scrape and repaint our house trim than push buttons on a computer mouse. I'm glad to have time in the Word and prayer and a little time to help at church. Our pastor's wife and I will be painting some wild west buildings for a background for an upcoming VBS.

     Yesterday Jonathan and our little neighbor girl spent two hours splashing in his new wading pool in our backyard. It's my responsibility to select the proper playmates for him and this little girl is a delight. We took her to AWANA with us and now her parents are coming to church!

     It's easy to focus on some of the difficulties associated with living on one income. How important it is to list the blessings we sometimes take for granted!