Thu 14 Jun 2007
I was saved at an early age and grew up in a Christian home, where we went to church often. I attended a Christian school for four years (eighth-eleventh grade) and public schools the remaining years. Between the church, the school, and Christian camp once a year, I had the opportunity to hear some of the best preachers of our generation. The Word of God and the fear of God was deeply engrained into my heart and being. I am so thankful for all of that!
One thing I don’t remember ever hearing, though, was the teaching of Titus 2 and Proverbs 31, which tells women what God wants for their lives. Finding out what God wanted for your career and going to a Christian college was pushed very heavily. I graduated with honors (fifth in my class of 250), but did not go to college because of a lack of money. I worked as a cook, cashier, bookkeeper, a secretary, and a bank teller. When I was married, I continued working because it was expected of women. It was not something even thought about, just something that everyone did. My former husband and I found out quickly how stressful it was for me to try to keep up with the home and with my job as a bank teller. Although I loved my job and was very successful at it, I did not like the rat race of it, and, in all honestly, did not like the fact that I had two jobs- my paid one and the one at home. It was also stressful to him to help with the housework. In addition I was attending the local college. He decided that he would work and I would keep the house, a decision that I never regretted. It was not done as a conviction, but because it worked well for us. I also quit college after finishing a year.
About a year later, I got pregnant with my first daughter. Being at home I was able to listen to a lot of Christian radio, where I first heard of homeschooling and felt like that was what God wanted me to do. After she was born, I was very alone much of the time, up most of the night caring for her in those first few weeks. I spent a lot of time nursing her and listening to the radio all throughout the days and nights of her first few months. It was then I heard Elisabeth Elliot’s teachings on Titus 2 and mothers at home. Although my mother never worked, I had never heard it verbally articulated from the Bible as to why it was important, and also very possible in this day and time, for mothers to be at home with their children. For the first time I developed a biblical conviction about being home with my children and making a home for my family.
Seven years later I worked outside the home for about five months after my husband and I separated, but quickly saw my family and my home falling apart without me. My children were getting unruly because I was just too tired to deal with them, even though I worked part time. Again, I loved my job as bookkeeper and was extremely successful, but I saw how desperately my children needed me, especially after a divorce situation. I prayed earnestly for the Lord to allow me to work from home, and, within a week, God had answered and I was opening up a home day care. Even though it seemed impossible for someone like me in an impossible situation, God answered and made a way.
Even though my children are not small anymore (they are 14, 11, and 10), I still believe my children need me more than ever as they go through the “teen years.” I have been told that “you used to be so smart” and other things like that in relation to the fact that I’m not working outside the home now, and it has been painful to me to realize that some think I’m wasting my talents. I personally believe that investing one’s life into the lives of others is a worthwhile and noble effort; how much more if it is your family?
About two weeks ago, the following quote was in our Sunday School book:
“The most important occupation on the earth for a woman is to be a real mother to her children. It does not have much glory in it; there is a lot of grit and grime. But there is no greater place of ministry, position, or power than that of a mother.” (Phil Whisenhunt, quoted in The Remarkable Women of the Bible by Elizabeth George, p. 84.)
Someone in our class said that she had worked when her children were at home and she regretted it. She said that she just thought she “had to”, but now knows that she did not really have to, that she had a choice. If any of you ladies want to be at home, ask God to do it for you, and, I promise you, He will. If a single mother can do it by God’s provision and grace, then anyone can. He is still a miracle worker today! People ask sometimes how I make it, and I can honestly say, it’s been the Lord providing through various means and many miracles. God’s people have been enormously generous and kind to us throughout the years also. It may take some time for things to work out and will probably take a lot of sacrifice, but it will be worth it all. Mothering is a true ministry, just as much as any ministry in the local church, and our Lord will reward you greatly in Heaven, and you’ll see much fruit on earth. For additional reading, I reccomend you to browse through the articles at Homeliving Helper. Theses ladies are much more articulate than I and offer much encouragement.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
June 16th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I truly felt blessed to be home with my 3 daughters all the years I did. I wouldn’t have traded it for nothing. I’m glad it’s working out for you, too, Janet. : )