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1O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. 2I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old – 3what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. 4We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.
Psalm 78: 1-4
After having worked outside the home since college, I recently became a “stay-at-home†mom. I put “stay-at-home†in quotes because it has turned out to not be the case. There are errands, driving the kids to and from school, shopping, volunteer opportunities at church, and all sorts of things that keep me out of the home. I continue to struggle with the decision, wondering if it is the right one. I love having more time with my children while they are young. But among other things, I battle guilt that our budget is so tight due to the fact that I am not earning money. I continue to pray, asking the Lord for direction and assurance.
My husband and I are avid readers of all things C.S. Lewis. And last month, my husband e-mailed me this quote: “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only - and that is to support the ultimate career. â€
Intriguing to say the least. The homemaker is important. Yes. But the ultimate career? And does every other career really exist to support this one? To support me? And every wife and mother? Because, let’s face it, even when women are working outside the home, they are still working to “make a home†for their families.
Proverbs 31:10-31 immediately came to mind. She owns property, tends a vineyard, and still cares for her family and home. She makes sure her family is clothed and has food. Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband is respected because of her. He lacks nothing of value. The ultimate career? Possibly.
Then I found Psalm 78. We will not hide [God’s words] from our children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. What an awe-some job! Joyful. Oh yes, we have the privilege of sharing the knowledge of our amazing and loving Lord with our children. The stories we can tell! What an awe-some job, full of responsibility. Important. Oh yes, we have the task of teaching and instructing our children, seeing that they know who their Savior is. The ultimate career? Certainly.
Maybe I’m looking at this whole thing from the wrong direction. Jesus is the ultimate homemaker! The family had been destroyed by sin, all connection with Father lost. And this played itself out in the human family in divorce and abuse, neglect, anger and wars. Then the Son came and with love and forgiveness began the restoration. Gave peace with God right now through his finished work on the cross and promised a family reunion at the beginning of a new and glorious world. But even his restoring work is going on in my life and yours, in our families and in the entire family of God!
Society may not give medals and millions in compensation packages for the homemaker. The stay at home mom will rarely be featured on the news or at the red carpet events in Hollywood. People may even take what you do for granted with hardly a thank you sent your way. If that’s not bad enough Satan may try to pile on the guilt and feelings of insignificance. Remember. We are in the forgiveness of the ultimate homemaker and the Father has entrusted us with the care of his precious children. We are not insignificant and neither is our “career.â€
Ask the Lord
Thank you Lord for the privilege of being at home and being a homemaker. Times and situations change in this life and so we ask that whether at home with children, in an empty nest, in the work force, or wherever we are that you help us to serve you without guilt and in joy and peace. Thank you for filling our lives with significance and purpose. Amen.
Valerie Johnson
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