I wrote the other day a post titled “I Miss The Village.” The Village that once gave women social contact, real physical help with the working life of the home and children, where wisdom could be passed down from seasoned mothers to new mothers, traditions handed to the young etc. And I mentioned how communities are not as helpful as they once were at building community especially for moms who stay home full time and how many women now don’t stay home during the day.
Fafa contributed this comment:
“Have you ever thought there are lonely women out there watching you, wishing they could be brave enough to stay at home and have the treasured time you have with your children. Maybe God is using your joy in your motherhood to touch other mothers’ lives.”
It of course got me thinking about a lot of things, motherhood, Vocation, the roles of women, modern and traditional…things.
I am very thankful that I can stay home and that I want to stay home. I do hope I could be encouraging to another mom who would like to stay home with her children. It would be very difficult to be in a situation where you wanted to stay home but could not. I can only imagine how hard it is for women to have to go back to work after a new baby or have find affordable and suitable childcare while they are at work. I’m grateful to be here for my babies and to have my babies under my wing all day.
This “stay at home mother” vs. “working mother” issue is a topic I avoid since it can ruffle a lot of feathers. I don’t want to be misunderstood to be making the argument that all women should stay home with their children instead of working a 9-5. That’s up to each family. That depends on many circumstances and is a matter of priorities and particular strains a family might be facing. I merely meant to muse on an issue that often crosses my mind.
There are those very happy mothers who are content right where they are. Content to stay home full time, content to work full time or part of the time away from home. But for all mothers there is always a tension that exists regardless of our choice. Even if we’re certain that what we’re doing is the best choice for our family, we all struggle with our flesh and our cultural influences. And with our many choices come various benefits and disadvantages.
This topic is an ongoing study for my mind. I just came across a couple links today related to this topic if you’re interested. There are tons more out there. *note may not a complete reflection of my own opinions:
Constraint and Consent; Career and Motherhood
Why Women Still Can’t Have It All
Thanks to the ladies who commented on that post! You all have put a burr in my saddle and made me think….and that can be berry dangerous. 🙂
As a mother who worked full time while raising my children ,with the help of good people who were a blessing to our family, I look at your life and wonder at all the things I have missed with my children. Your Mama remembers so much about you and your brothers growing up that I can’t remember about my children. She had to stand firm in her commitment to stay at home and raise her children, and at times it was a struggle. I look at your life with your children and husband and am amazed at the rich blessings God has put in your life. Thank you for letting me share your life with you-your joys and sorrows, doubts and fears, chaos and order- the real stuff!
Let me say, for the record, that I love my mother and my cousin.
We are both very blessed aren’t we Fafa?! And I for one always liked coming down to the courthouse to visit you, I thought that was so exciting! Thank you for all the gifts you have that you share with me and my family. You are such a treasured example of what it means to be a servant and to love others through your vocation. Hugs to you!
Weslie, I’m so glad we finally have that “for the record!” I love you too cousin!