Have you ever had that thought? I know that I have. It was not the plan to be a fifty-something empty-nester and still working full-time outside the home. It was not the plan that home be a rental duplex with a garden scattered across the patio in various pots and baskets. At least, it wasn’t my plan!
I’ll be honest and tell you that I have often whined in prayer asking, “Why? What lesson have I not learned that has me stuck here?” The answer seemed to be silence.
Over the last few weeks, I have had many quiet moments to reflect on where I am versus where I had planned to be at this point in my life. During my forced weeks of rest, I took the opportunity to read back through journals and planners. I have been designing my own planners because I just haven’t found one that fits my life, dreams, and goals. As I leafed through a recent planner, my attention was caught by the purpose statement for my blog. The first phrase jumped out at me:
Helping women understand they don’t have to be a stay-at-home wife/mom to have a home that is warm and welcoming.
Obviously, it wasn’t the first time I read that purpose statement. After all, I wrote that statement. But the impact of that statement finally hit me. If I was a stay-at-home wife (even a work-from-home wife), what message would I really have to share with women, young and old, that don’t have a choice but to work outside the home?
Working outside the home may be needed to pay expenses and bills/debts, but it also limits the time spent homemaking. Having less time doesn’t reduce the desire to have a home that is warm and welcoming, but it does require more effective use of the time available.
A new contentment has settled over me because I have accepted that even though this is not I what I planned for this stage of my life, the Lord is directing my steps. That direction for now includes working full-time outside the home while still exercising my high priority of being a homemaker. It also includes sharing my journey with others who find themselves on the same path.
If you must be a work-outside-the-home wife/mom, don’t give up your homemaking dreams! Let’s explore together how to find time to create a home that is warm and welcoming for us, our families, and our friends.
As I share my heart 4 home, I hope you will find or rediscover your heart 4 home too!
