Today for the first time I filled in Stay-at-Home Mom (SAHM) as my occupation. My sweet husband had given me a massage as a gift for Mothers Day. They asked what my occupation was and I hadn’t answered that question in a while. It was different, but made sense. This really is my new reality for the next few years. I’m still working through what that means and how to do it well.
I got to sit and really think about what that means for me and my family. There are still things I get to do such as consulting, working on my book (finally) and volunteering for causes close to my heart. It’s important for me to stay connected to things outside the home. For my family it means taking care of my husband, son and soon-to-be daughter at home. They are only little once and it is so sweet to be able to see them grow. I want to be able to take them to swim lessons, music class and play dates and engage with them. Then, there are days I talk to my mom friends who work and I’m envious of them and their careers. It’s also those days when we all need naps including the dog!
In contemplating these things, I found such joy in knowing for a while this is the career for me. There will always be another job and I won’t mind starting all over again on a new occupation. One of my friends told me recently “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise.” (Andy Stanley) These little kids we raise are worth it. So here’s to my new career!