Rosemary's Place
•
Aug. 14, 2008
-
I need to stop apologizing!
It's been almost a year since I quit my part-time job and became a full-time stay-at-home mom. I was---and am---thrilled to be home. Yet I often feel like I should apologize somehow for leaving the workforce, as if I've taken some liberties that might not be mine to take. When I see people from work and they ask how it's going, I always say, "great!" or something like that, and they seem a bit taken aback. Like maybe I should be regretting my decision or something. On the contrary, I've never been happier! But I've felt a little funny about letting that show. Why?
I started working when I was 15, and other than one six-month stint, I worked steadily, sometimes two jobs, until last fall. That's 29 years in the work force. But I didn't have any kids then. Now I do. And that changes everything. Now is the season in my life when I need to be home, to be a homemaker and a mom. I've felt it ever since my first son was born, and it took several years for me to manage it. I was sure that God wanted me to be home, but I didn't investigate why, other than it was best for my kids.
I've recently been reminded of the verses in the Bible where it talks about the place of the older women in the church, how their job is to instruct and help the younger women, to share their wisdom. Now, I'm not sure I'm old enough to share much wisdom, but I do know I'm not a young wife anymore. It occured to me that these verses tell me one more reason why I have God's blessing to stay home: this is the season of my life when I need to be doing that, being focused on my home, and maybe somehow be of help to younger women. Interesting. I hadn't thought of that before.
I do know that God is pleased with my being home. And I realize now that I need to rejoice in that, not only in private, but also in public. I can be proud of being a stay-at-home mom, and I can let that joy show. I need to stop apologizing, and start praising instead. Thank you, God! |
Post A Comment! :: Send to a Friend!
|
|
My Rhapsody Playlist
• Aug. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
I've been out of the workplace for ten years in September. It's harder in some ways than I ever dreamed. It is, perhaps, more rewarding on some days than I could have ever dreamed.
Perhaps I need to work on my joy factor in a different way . . . .