Since beginning my new career - full-time mom - I've been asked a few times, "Don't you get bored being home with him all day?" Bored? Well, many descriptors come to mind, but bored certainly isn't one of them.
Would you get bored if you spent your days looking at this sweet little face?
And caring for this precious little life?
It's a valid question and it makes me think.
How do I really feel about spending my days at home with Elijah?
Honest answer...
Overwhelmingly blessed.
He truly is a gift from the Hand of God and I do not take that lightly.
Also, God put the desire in my heart to stay home with Elijah, so I'm confident that my days with him have great purpose even beyond what I can see.
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do,
as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23
Although this verse has been important to me in the past, I'm finding it to be the song of my heart now more than ever. I've always seen the Lord provide me with work and then empower me to do it, but this is the first time in my life where it is so clear God created this position - with great eternal significance - specifically for me where no one else could replace me in the work.
Is it boring?
I guess it all depends on the way you view your work.
If Elijah was merely something that took away my freedom and demanded all of my time and attention, then I suppose my new job would look very unsatisfying. Maybe even boring.
He is so much more than that though. Elijah is a little baby boy with an eternal soul that is being impacted and shaped even now. As his mom, it's my responsibility to not only teach him about the Lord but to be a living example of a Christ follower to him. Each minute of the day with Elijah needs to be purposeful.
This is the most difficult and most humbling job I've ever had, yet I've never so strongly desired to truly "work hard and cheerfully for the Lord."
I will most certainly fail at times and also have days that appear quite boring, but by God's grace, He will do a mighty work in me through the years as I joyfully serve Him while spending my days with Elijah.
So, back to the question, "Am I bored?"
Impossible! : )
Thank you for this excellent post Katie! Such wisdom that flies in the face of what our culture tells women they should be about. You are truly making a difference in Elijah's life even though he is small yet by being home with him. Recently our pastor said to us, "moms are the ones who give their children the universe." I loved that and it seems like that is what you're doing.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written post, Katie. I don't regret a moment I spent at home with our children when they were young, and a stable, happy home prepared us to welcome other children in need as well. Now our adult children are our very best friends and they love the Lord and each other. It is so worth it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, Katie. It really spoke to me and so vividly called to my attention many truths. I needed to hear what you wrote! You are doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! I feel so much the same way as you know!:) I just love Elijahs little face--he is so cute! God bless you as you raise up this little man to serve Jesus. love you-A
ReplyDeleteDear Katie... me and my roommate and a few others had a discussion about daycare, stay at home mothers, and the such. I so admire your willingness and whispers from God to stay at home with him! It is SO what I would do too!!!! Of course other people think that it's silly and makes the babies "not sociable"... i beg to differ!!!! God has chosen us to bare lives in our wombs... I would never want to leave that sweet little face either!! Continuing to pray for you :) And SO excited to babysit tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteKatie, I just ready every single one of your posts and you are such a great wife, mother, and child of God. Your little Elijah is absolutely adorable (as expected) and he is so blessed to have such wonderful God loving parents! I miss you and your genuine heart!
ReplyDeleteP.S.--you are absolutely beautiful and even more so in the pictures of you carrying Elijah. Let me know sometime when you come home, I would love to see you!