I've had a change of attitude recently regarding the hot topic of homemaking! In a nutshell, I previously viewed a homemaker as a woman with no outside occupation, who stays at home to raise her kids...not a bad idea! However, my view was centered on what she was not doing - not sending her kids to daycare, not bringing home a paycheck, not using her education, etc. I have been challenged recently to view homemaking as an active pursuit, not a passive state. It is to be my calling, my career...maybe even my passion. That makes all the difference in the world, and here's why: instead of feeling inferior for never finishing my degree, instead of feeling unfulfilled as the world goes by without me, instead of just biding my time at home with my kids, I need to be actively learning and growing in my calling as a homemaker! I never thought I was very "good" at home management...but is that a valid reason to chuck the idea out the window and focus on something else? NO! Managing my home well is my God-given responsibility! I am called to do my very best, and if I feel I could use some improvement in certain areas, I need to begin some "career enhancements"!
So anyway, this week I started following a basic weekly schedule. That's nothing to many people, but for me, it feels a little foreign, to say the least. I must say, however, that I am reaping the benefits of scheduling already! This is just the beginning, but it has been a very useful first step.
Well, the time I've allotted for today is running out, but I wanted to post this picture while I'm on here. We had a portrait fundraiser for MOPS about a month ago, and because I helped out with coordinating it, I ended up getting $100 worth of free portraits from the company! Wow! It was totally unexpected, but I'm so grateful...being the photo junkie that I am. So without further ado, here's my favorite one:
So are they totally adorable, or what? I gotta go for today - I'm already a couple of minutes over. I'll post again soon!
8 comments:
AMEN! Sister! I totally understand where you are coming from and what you are striving for! Keep us posted!
I'm so encouraged to hear your excitement about your "career"! AND to see your discipline in sticking to a schedule for the glory of God in your home when it's not your in-born bent. ;) And YES--those kiddos are DARN CUTE!!! Great picture :)
There is no greater "career" than raising those babies!!! Glad you're finding the value in it. It is no small task! I applaud you for working on a schedule and giving it your all!!
Very sweet pic of the boys...and a schedule is something that is very much needed in my life too!
Way to go, Melonie... I'm impressed with your pursuit of homemaking.
Love, Dad
Right on!! There IS no more important career than raising your beautiful children and being the best wife you can be. That's how I felt, too, and my piano teaching was a God-given career that came when the kids were big, and I could still be at home with them even then. God will show you what you can do, if needed, when the time is right. Your guys are so handsome!
I've been thinking about your post since yesterday. You've convicted me a bit, because I don't even consider limiting my computer time which often results in my not accomplishing as much as I could/should in my home...which leads me to always explain that I hold to my schedule LOOSELY (translated IRRESPONSIBLY or AT MY LEISURE). So thanks for setting a good example--you've served as an exhortation :)
Wow, Melonie. I really appreciate what you've written. First of all, it's just great writing! Secondly, because it's true. I think this also applies to those folks who do have an out-of-the-home career. Should we leave our career skills at the door? Sluffing them off because we're too tired? Probably not, but I do that all the time. I've been convicted by it, and will also try to keep growing in my career of being a good "head-of-house administrator." Wish me luck!
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