I watched Oprah two days ago on the neverending debate The Working Mom vs The Stay at Home Mom and that always gets me thinking...and a friend of mine just sent me this essay, so i thought i would post it b/c i have to believe in what/why I do what I do everyday. Every mom must make this huge decision and whatever you choose you always find that you have made some sacrifice somewhere. I do know that I will have a fulfilling nursing career at some later point and yes, it was my passion and it was not easy to let it go for the time being, but it will wait and I will join the "paid" working world again one day. Now, what i do is my investment in their future and it is the hardest thing I have ever done. I liked how Oprah did clarify that "IF you are a creative and involved stay-at-home mom then it is the hardest job"...this is true. It is a very personal decision riding on finances, insanity, and the list goes on...whatever your reasons are...you should always do what truly makes YOU a better mother for your kids sake; and that is a heavy-weight question for all who come to that crossroad in life. Anyway~read on...
The High Calling of Motherhood
by Ginger Plowman
If I have to answer one more insignificant question, wipe one more runny nose, or bandage one more boo-boo today, I'm going to pull my hair out…and maybe the hair of whoever is standing close by also! "I've had it, kids! I'm going to soak in a hot bubble bath and I would strongly advise against any interruptions. Unless someone is dead or dying, do not knock on this door!"
As I ease down into my vanilla scented-bubbles, I pray, "God, is this really what I'm supposed to be doing? I mean, don't you have something really important for me that requires a little more skill that tying shoes and cutting the crust off sandwiches?"
Let me back up and tell you about myself before I reached this point in my life. I wasn't always bordering on the brink of insanity. It wasn't too awfully long ago that I really had it all together. I successfully managed a booming and well-respected business, counseled others in organizational skills, and drove a pretty cool automobile that would NOT seat an entire soccer team, and me, comfortably. I enjoyed television shows that were not hosted by singing vegetables or a purple dinosaur. I never found the milk in the pantry and I never experienced the sheer panic of trying to remember whom I was calling before the voice at the other end said, "Hello?" Yesterday, I placed an order by phone. When the sales lady asked me for my address, I had to put her on hold. I absolutely could not recall my own address. It did finally come to me as I was reaching for the phone book to look it up.
What happened? The stick turned blue. I have traded in Victoria's Secret for the stretchy comfort of Hanes Her Way. I have boxed up my contemporary Christian music and now you'll find me rockin' to "Silly Songs with Larry." Yep, it's good-bye "20/20" and hello Elmo.
Sometimes I think that just getting dressed and making it through the day is all I ever accomplish. "Isn't there something more that you wanted me to do today, Lord?" Finally, I hear that still, small voice. I may not have found a cure for cancer or conquered world hunger, but as I soak in my tub, God gently reminds me of what I did accomplish today. I had the privilege of listening to the hopes and dreams of a handsome young man who thinks I'm the greatest woman in the world. He stands just over three feet tall and only gets really excited over Legos and pizza, but he is funny, charming, and never boring.
I also got to see a bright and precious smile illuminate the sweet face of my five-year-old daughter as I took time out to invade Barbie's house with green aliens. As she squealed with delight, my heart melted.
I did have a few minutes of well-appreciated privacy, as I was able to sit on the potty without someone banging on the door. I actually jotted this rare event down in my journal under "miracles." I got to read a couple of great classics. Out loud. Move over Dickens, we have moved on to the works of Dr. Seuss. I was also able to dust, organize, clean, counsel, and cook. I kissed away the boo-boos and washed away the tears. I praised, rebuked, encouraged, hugged, and tested my patience, all before noon.
Yes, my greatest accomplishment today was nurturing the two precious children that God has entrusted to my care.
Now let's talk about my greatest challenge today… and every day. It is raising these two precious children in the ways of the Lord. God does have an important job for me and it does require much skill. It is my calling, my priority, my struggle, and my goal. I will rise to the occasion and accept the task at hand. I will love, nurture and train my children the way that God has called me to do.
Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling. The joys of motherhood are rare and beautiful treasures that can be easily missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab them.
Being a mom is more than being cook, chauffeur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee, and disciplinarian, (just to name a few). It's molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training, and guiding. There is no calling as consuming, challenging, and rewarding. And there is no calling as worthy of our efforts than the high calling of motherhood.
* This article is adapted from Ginger's book, Don't Make Me Count to Three! published with Shepherd Press. (Available fall 2003)
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