Identity Part 1: Occupation

  
     I am always baffled when the question of my occupation comes up. It usually results in unemployed or none. Does anybody else get the 'you don't have a job' vibe from people?!? Obviously I get the unemployed status for paper work situations. It is the family, friends, and strangers that seem to give off this vibe.
     My four boys go nearly everywhere I do, so I suspect most people don't think I do nothing all day. Some reason, they are young so it is good I am able to stay home with them. Yet for other people I think their opinions either fall into two margins; 'don't you get bored' or 'that's it'?
     No, I am not bored nor do I get bored. Lest just say all I did was tend to the kids; feed them, care for them and love them. How could anyone get bored? Even if I had just one child to devote all my attention to, at the end of the day I would still lay my head down feeling exhausted. Lets ponder on this one, I want you to get a visual. Because for those who think that clearly do not know or forgot somehow. Wake up to baby crying, well it's time to nurse him. Then, change his diaper and you might as well put a load of his clothes in the washer. Next, if your lucky start a pot of coffee without him needing your immediate attention. Okay maybe you calmed him down enough to quickly wash your face and change clothes. Now, lets get that little bundle of joy dressed. Wrestling with him as you put on his socks because he has learned how to roll over and starting to crawl. Alright you are both dressed, now lets try feeding him some of his baby cereal. That was a mess, now wipe his hands and face off, his tray, and the table. If you have little dogs you might escape from having to sweep up the mess on the floor. Change his diaper again (eww this one will probably the stinky loaded diaper kind). Put clothes into dryer. Get him in his car seat and run off to doctors for his check-up. You're home now so you make a quick sandwich, eating it with one hand while nursing baby. Phew, nap time has come! Oh but only for baby because now you need to fold his clothes, maybe take a quick shower or prepare for dinner. So you get my point, this is just a glimpse of a half day with one young child. Bored ... Ha I laugh, with sarcasm.
     And to the later mind set of 'that's it,' NO! Personally I am homeschooling them and trying to start a small business with friend. Neither of which is easy be all means. Imaging doing all your errands, wifely and motherly duties, and trying to give your kids an education. No it's not just a phase, it is a way of life we have chosen for our family. Not to mention, any SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) I know has something on the back burner while managing things at home. Either it be serving in the church or some other community group, writing, self employment, part time job etc.
     The list of my day to day or week to week routine is daunting. Maybe I'll share it, but that is for another post! Right now I'll just randomly list some of my task outside of 'just staying at home': a lot of home-cooked meals, cleaning house and four munchkins, budget and pay bills, shopping for groceries and anything else for the household, doctor appointments, sport practices and games, church activities as well as serve in some, bible study, go to fitness classes, some yard work, lesson plans, grade papers etc. ...
     I know many great moms with jobs that fulfill their career desire, or at least pursuing it. They too manage errands, caring for kids, and all the other tedious chores around the house. Remember this is about me, selfish I know (lol). Really it is for all stay at home moms. Homeschooling or not, temporarily or permanent. When the word 'career' or 'occupation' come up don't let it fester inside you like a thorn. Because you know, your career right now is raising your child(ren). I think it is called PARENTING. The most important job you will have. So savor your time with them, build everlasting relationships, and direct them to the one who knows all, God, so they might inherit your morals and beliefs. To some it will always be peculiar why we decided to leave behind any career we might have had to just stay at home. But to us we will know it is the career we where called for.

Name: Jamie
Occupation: Mom

Today I leave you with this verse from Psalm 51:10 (NIV) 'Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.'

When I think of the fleeting task ahead of me while I 'just staying at home' and tend to my children I ask God to renew my spirit for whatever is to come.