So many times I have been told. " Why don't you put them in school and save your sanity." "Or you really need to have some things to do on your own" Oh yes the ever elusive "me time". Here are the flaws with this arguement. Number 1 If you know me you must know that my sanity was sacrificed a long time ago. lol But Number 2 is the most important. I don't do this for me. I do this because I believe this is what God has called me to do. What higher calling could there be than to be a Wife and Mother. Than to have the calling to teach my own children. Is it allot of resposibility? Yes absolutely. But does that mean I shoudn't do it? How far would anyone get if they decided against a job because it was too much responsibility?  Not far.

I used to have a problem with this. I used to feel like I was a lesser person because I stayed home with my children. I used to always feel the need to justify my choice. That I needed to combat the image that I was a mindless, brainless,doormat. I now know that I am not a lesser being because I CHOSE to stay at home and use my talents for my children and my family. I have been reading Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. If you have not read this book I suggest you get it and read it. I will even lend you my copy if you promise to give it back and don't mind reading through all of the parts I have underlined. I want to share with you one of those passages.

"A godly keeper at home is absolutely not a lesser human being, a mindless robot, or a placid doormat under submission to all men; rather she is created in the very image of God and of equal worth and value compared to man (Genesis 1:26-28). She is a the crown of her husband (Proverbs 12:4), a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18). Because she trusts God's wisdom in establishing perfect order for His creation, she willingly submits to her own husband as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24)."

I no longer feel the need to justify myself. I know I am doing what God has called me to do. I also know that what I am doing can have generational consequences. I am, with God's help, creating generations of soldiers for Christ. I realize that it was my own lack of self worth that caused me to feel like I was a lesser person because I didn't "work". It doesn't matter how others see me. What matters is if I am doing God's will for my life. I believe that I am.

I am also learning that it isn't all about me. That by dying to self everyday I am following Christ's example. As a result of this I have begun to really enjoy my role as Wife and Mother and keeper of my home.Isn't it funny how in the worlds view it is perfectly acceptable to be a housekeeper or work with children as long as it is not your own home or children. Yes those people get "paid" to do their work. But my pay is far beyond money. It is in being able to see my children grow and learn. I don't miss a single a-ha moment. To see them grow closer together. I remember when I first went back to work after my oldest was born I cried thinking about maybe not being there to see his first step or hear his first words. And I wasn't the babysitter heard his fist word and it just broke my heart. I am so blessed to have a husband who was raised by a stay at home mother. He understands my desire to be home.

Please don't get me wrong. I am not judging anyone who does not have the opportunities I have. I am just saying that I believe this is what I have been called to do and why I do it.

I no longer worry about justifying myself. My entire outlook has changed. I don't need to worry about my value to others. Because I know that for my husband and my Lord my value is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10). What more do I need than that. What can you tell me about me that tops that?