Saturday

The Measure of Success



Perhaps you heard the recent comment by Hilary Rosen in reference to Ann Romney implying that as a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom), Anne "she has never worked a day in her life."

I'm not sure what thoughts first went through your mind when you heard that. I can certainly understand anger, but for me it was more irritation, as well as a reminder that the world does not value the family.

As a result of her inaccurate comment, it did get me thinking about that statement and these are some of my thoughts.

The trouble with Hilary Rosen's comment is that she has fallen into the lie that says a paycheck is a person's measure of success. Others might even feel how large that paycheck is determines whether or not you are "successful".

A person may make $100K and yet have a life that is falling apart, while another person has devoted his life to his family but only brings home $40K. Who is the successful one?

Sadly, as women we tend to be really good at judging others. Especially when we feel confident that the mom next to us isn't doing as good a job as we are.

We're all guilty of this at one time or another and I can't help but think about how this has divided us rather than joined us.

As Christian women we're all in this together. Some of us may work from home, some out of the home and some at home. But, imagine with me for a minute if there were not any Christian women in the workforce.

Who would be the light of Christ to the struggling non-Christian mom or the single mom? Who would come along side her and say, "I know the struggles of being a mom. Can I show you the One who gives me strength to make it through each day?"

Ultimately, staying home or working outside the home is a decision that you and your husband need to make based on what God is calling you to do.

Although there was a transition period for me coming from the workforce to staying home and raising children, I never gave one thought to choosing a different path.

Sure, there were times I contemplated getting a part time job, but repeatedly God impressed upon my heart that He wanted me to rely on Him and my husband to meet our needs.


It was after a period of wrestling through this and learning to be content, that Purposeful Homemaking was born. Not surprisingly, God has used blogging to bless my family in ways I never would have thought of. He also gave me purpose and fulfillment through blogging as well as allowed me to connect with many other talented women. Personally, if I had not stayed home, I feel that I would have missed so much.

However, staying home may not be an option for everyone. Some moms are single, some have a job while their husband is laid off, some have the insurance through their job. Our stories are all different and unique, but when we surrender our lives to the King's service, we all fit together to fulfill the purpose of furthering His kingdom.

So while I think Hilary was way out of line, I think it caused me to stop and consider some things.

For one, I hope we will look to help bear the burdens of other moms around us whether they "work" or not. I also hope that we will evaluate our motives. If we work outside the home, why do we? Is it necessary? Have I neglected my first calling which is ministering to my family? If so, can I reduce my hours or do I need to quit altogether? If I'm a SAHM am I judging those that aren't?

Whether I stay home or go to work, I do not want to be so caught up in this world that I gain it and lose my child's soul. My first calling is to live a life of service and devotion to my Savior in front of my children so that they too would desire Him above all else.

Will I look back on my life someday and feel I was successful even though I didn't contribute a paycheck to the family? By God's grace, I hope so if I continue to be faithful to the tasks He's called me to do.

For now though, my tasks happen to be changing diapers, potty training, making healthy meals, living within our means on an average one-income family, paying bills, blogging, teaching our children and more. I wouldn't trade it for anything because I know our children will be grown and gone in the blink of an eye.

Thanks so much for visiting Purposeful Homemaking. Stay connected so you don't miss a thing:


I have a few eBooks that you may be interested in as well: A Wife's Guide to Studying ProverbsTopical Devotions for Pregnancy and Early Potty Teaching. Don't forget to sign up for emails on my right sidebar so you don't miss a post.


This post may involve product that was received in exchange for a review or contain affiliate links, including those from Amazon.com, for which I will earn compensation should you choose to make a purchase. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you for your support of Purposeful Homemaking.

4 comments:

Khristine Anne said...

Hi Becky. Thank you for your insight. I'm a new blogger and also a stay at home mom like you. I love the introspective questions you've posted.

I've had an incredibly long day running around after my adorable but very energetic toddler, while my husband was away on a 12 hr shift at work.

Your post lifted my spirits and re-energized me.

You are right, as a sahm, I need to regularly turn to the Lord for He will renew my strength, and "help me make it through each day."

Looking forward to reading more of your writing.

Blessings to you and your family.

becky@purposefulhomemaking.com said...

Khristine,

Thank you so much for your comment. It was an encouragment to me and I'm glad the post could bless you as well.

Continue pressing on in loving your little one and serving your family!

May God bless your efforts! You are a needed Momma in this world.

Sincerely,
Becky

Christy Jordan said...

I happened upon your blog in the wee hours of the morning as I sat with my coffee. What a treat and joy it has been! You have an amazing voice, heart, and mind - along with gorgeous children. Your whole family is lit from within! Loved this post, really good points and well thought out from all angles. It's refreshing to see a Christian perspective told With Christian restraint- hope that makes sense!
Gratefully,
Christy

becky@purposefulhomemaking.com said...

Christy,

Thank you so much for your uplifting comment! That's probably one of the nicest ones I've ever received. Thank you so much!

I'm glad you happened upon my blog and I hope that it can continue to encourage you!

I would certainly welcome any prayers on behalf of PH. I sense God wanting me to write more from the heart (and this was actually one of those posts). Please pray the Lord would guide me, use me and bring others closer to Him as a result of it.

Thanks again for taking the time to bless me.

--Becky :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...