A mother's job at home.

I have been thinking and studying for a long time now, about the role God has given us as mothers, wives, and homemakers. I believe, that God sees us through to play out the role he has decided for our life. Whether that is working outside of the home, or working within the home.

As for me, my path didn't include a full-time job outside of the home. In 2009, when we found out we were expecting our first child, we both agreed I would quit my job at the bank (while finishing my teaching degree) and stay home to raise our children. Of course no one is READY for this task, financially, but you make it work. Luxuries are not as important, and corners must be cut. BUT, when you feel that God has put something dear and near on your heart you make it work. You make it happen!

Fast forward to the present. 2014. I have been home for five 1/2 years now with my two boys. I feel like I have learned a lot throughout these five years. I am definitely NOT the same person now, as I was 5 years ago when this journey started for me. 

As a stay at home mom, you have many jobs. It is not just about taking care of the children. There are many more aspects of raising a family, in God's eyes. Managing your husband, your children, and your home. 

Some days it seems tedious to do the same monotonous tasks day in, and day out. Know that in God's eyes, taking care of your home is important. Letting chores go undone, is not managing your home well. 

The bible has much to say about your home. 

Proverbs 14:1 says, "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands."

Proverbs 31:27, a godly wife "looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." 

"At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach."  (1 Timothy 5:13-14)

"To be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored." (Titus 2:5) 

There are many days, I don't feel like washing dishes for the 3rd time in a day. Mopping the floors, making beds, doing laundry, cleaning the crumbs from the table, making meals, cleaning up the meals, are all hard work. However, even though you are not out in a workplace doing a 9-5 job where you get a paycheck, your job IS important. Changing diapers, disciplining your children, picking up toys, are all jobs that God can see you working through his plan. It has taken me many YEARS to see this. Some days I wonder if I'm doing what I should be doing. I wonder, I pray, sometimes I cry. "Am I doing the right thing, when nobody even notices that I take care of them?" 

But then, I am given some sort of sign that I am right where I need to be. Don't let this outside, evil world tell you otherwise. Social media can really be a hurtful, harmful thing to a mother's heart. It will make you feel inadequate on some many levels. I let it get me down almost daily.

No, your house doesnt have to be magazine ready, but as a home maker you should make your home a happy home. Take pride in your clean clothes put away, and that your children are well fed by your meals. Give yourself a little praise every once in a while. 

KNOW, that your job is rewarding without a paycheck! 

KNOW, that you are important, and that your job within the home is important.

KNOW, that God has given you this job and regardless of the mundane, do it Well!