Lucky?
Last night, as we were signing the papers to pick up our new-to-us van, the saleslady asked me out-of-the-blue if I were a stay-at-home mom.After replying unashamedly that I was, she remarked emphatically, "You are so lucky."
I find that this is typically the response I get when asked the question and I never know what I should say in return. Just nod and smile? Mention that it's not luck, it's the blessing of God and lots of sacrifice? Express gratefulness to my husband?
I guess it bothers me that people think the only moms who get to stay home are those who are lucky, those whose husbands earn enough so that they can live comfortably on one income.
No one ever seems to mention the sacrifices that most families make in order to keep mom home--living frugally, not keeping up with the Jones family, creative entrepreneurialism, lots of trust in God.
I don't stay home with my girls because I'm lucky; I stay home because it's what God has called me to. God has entrusted me with two precious daughters to mother, nurture, train, and raise.
There are plenty of other jobs out there--many with better hours and better pay. But no one else can take my place of being Kathrynne and Kaitlynn's mommy. And my husband and I are committed to make whatever sacrifices it takes to keep me home.
It's not always easy but the sacrifices are very worth it.
"In the end, though, what my children and husband need most from me is not a perfect home or perfect training or a perfectly spiritual role model or a wife without faults - but a mother and wife who is committed to doing whatever it takes to love them and make a home for them."
-Sally Clarkson, The Mission of Motherhood
-Sally Clarkson, The Mission of Motherhood
Labels: Homemaking, Mothering
posted by Crystal Paine at 9:58 AM
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