With the holidays approaching, i have been struggling with the fact that since I choose not be employed outside of the home we have no money for anything but the basics. This past week my world was turned around with unexpected expenses. I felt not necessarily unsatisfied with "just being a mom" but as horrible as it sounds, i felt a longing to have more money to pay for not only our necessary expenses, but just a little more money to buy things like presents for my family, Christmas decorations for our home, or even a vacation once in a while.
I felt so uneasy. I kept trying to justify the possibility of only working outside the home just for a short time. But in my heart i couldn't. So I turned to the Lord for comfort. I got out an old manual from one of my religion classes and found quote after quote after quote reaffirming my faith and testifying to me that my work as a mom is more important and noble than any job, hobby, or any item i could purchase.
I'd like to share with all of you what i found, in hopes that it will strengthen all of us.
*This one cut me deep- as Nephi says, "the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center."
President Gordon B. Hinckley- "I think the nurture and upbringing of children is more than a part-time responsibility. I recognize that some women must work, but I fear that there are far too many who do so only to get the means for a little more luxury and a few fancier toys."
President Kimball gets right to the point. "The husband is expected to support his family andonly in an emergency should a wife secure outside employment. Her place is in the home, to build thehome into a heaven of delight."
****I will keep this first post short and end with what was for me the greatest words of comfort and eternal perspective.
President Ezra Taft Benson- "Do not sacrifice your preparation for an eternally ordained mission for the temporary expediency of money-making skills which you may or may not use."
8 comments:
Jen You Rock! What a great idea! I love it! Thanks for the inspiration! I am with you on this all the way. I really understand what you are going through. We are so in the same boat! I would love to add posts to this blog if you want me to... Let me know.
Love, Laura
I so much look forward to visiting this blog! It's amazing how quickly I can forget how totally grateful I am to be a stay-at-home mom! Thanks :)
Jen,.
i wish i had your faith and dedication. you are an awesome girl and mom. what a great idea. i too struggled when i could not work anymore after the birth of Lillie; and it definitely still sneaks up on me and i find myself saying i wish i could work, if not just for the money, but also for a break. it IS a noble calling that is not easy but very important. thank you for this!!!
What a great idea, Jen! I am excited to keep uplifted as I think every stay-at-home mother often feels "worthless" for not being a part of the workforce. It is a definite sacrifice staying home, but it is definitly worth it (as you know!). A few books have helped me when I am struggling: Have you ever read "Mothering with Spiritual Power" by Debra Sansing Woods or Dr. Laura's (you know I am a huge fan of hers!) "In Praise of Stay at Home Moms"? They both are wonderful books!
Jen,
I am so glad that you started this blog because everyone needs to hear "I get it" every once in a while. I find that although Kalen is more than supportive and enables me to be home, no one-but another mom, can understand what a job motherhood really involves!
I am excited to hear words of wisdom from you, an amazing mother, and from other experts as well.
I too have been struggling with the feelings you have. Today in fact I started to cry, after realizing that I ruined two of my shirts (that actually fit) in the wash. I wish I had money to replace them, or to look "put together" like I every other mother I see. But, at the end of the day, you are right. It is not what we are wearing or what is hanging on our walls that counts. It is the legacy we leave behind in our little ones and the testimonies that we help them to develop!
Here's to mothers everywhere. Struggling through the monotany that many days bring of motherhood bring,and to the days that make ot all worthwhile. The giggles, the smiles, the first steps, and those slobbery kisses!
Thanks for starting this blog Jen! I would love to be involved. I too have struggled with the same thoughts you were having. We have been overwhelmed with medical expenses during the last two months, and are struggling to make ends meet...even affording the very basics is hard.
I have found myself wishing that we didn't have to share a car, or that I had a descent wardrobe. I have even at times found myself thinking about how nice it would be to get out of the house a couple of days a week!
But then I am reminded of motherhood's noble calling, and my desire to be with Rory every day as she grows.
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful quotes!!
Ren-
I haven't read either of those books but i definitely will! You should pick out some quotes from them and post them for us :)
I love this blog! Thank you! I totally understand where you are coming from. I have never enjoyed working but it is SO HARD to be short on money and not do anything about it. That's why I started watching kids. But watching kids is not for everybody. It is SO hard. It's exhausting and so frustrating at times but at least I can help out with the finances while still being home to raise my son.
Post a Comment