"Should I work?
"Work from home?
"Or only work on my home?"
In this conclusion of the interview with Terrie Gatto on teaching kids to clean, Terrie and I talk about this constant struggle for mothers. I know there's nothing as satisfying as focusing on my family, but sometimes my focus is needed elsewhere "to pay a bill or two."
Terrie talks about how women in her life taught her she could do anything. Then she gives me much-needed advice about my own choices.
As a famous homeschooled person once told me long ago, it's important for mothers to have their own interests. Without them, we can smother the very relationships we feel we're sacrificing our lives for. Our children need our love and attention. They also need our example.
We mamas need to know it's okay to take those steps of faith to try new things. We need to model living daring lives for our children. (We also need to model saying "No" to opportunities that threaten relationships, but that's another topic for another day.:)
"The hope that we have in Jesus should make Christians some of the most fearless, wisest risk-takers when pursuing our callings."
- Jordan Raynor, Called to Create
I hope this interview blesses you as much as it did me. In the end, as Terrie says, everything depends on our dependence on the One who's really providing for our homes. If we can make prayer for our children the top to-do on our list, everything else will fall into place.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:6-7, 13
"Turn Your Heart Toward Home" by Steve & Annie Chapman. Used with permission.