When I was growing up, it was expected that any women of worth would pursue an advanced education, secure a well-paying job and embark on her own personal journey of "having it all". She knew that her sense of worth came from accolades achieved in the business world rather than in the appreciation of "some man". She knew that the only path to personal fulfillment was to follow her dreams and succeed in her chosen profession. She knew, that unlike her unfortunate predecessors, she would never be dependent on a man to complete her life. She, I... knew everything.
When I was in my early 20's I experienced an unexpected renaissance. I began to question everything I had grown up believing. I stopped ignoring the gnawing ache that I experienced every time I dropped my daughter off at preschool. I began to allow myself to enjoy serving and caring for my husband. I began to crave the praises of my grateful family instead of the "atta girls" from my boss. I began to understand that the work and effort I put into my family had returns far greater than could ever be realized in a mere "paying" job.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to know many different people, with many different backgrounds and many different talents. I have watched as families have flourished and as they have failed. I have seen wives build their homes up and tear their homes down. I have watched as some women gave everything to their families and other women gave everything to their job.
When I was in the working world, I put all of my strength, effort and talent into making money for the boss. When he told me to jump, I asked "how high?". If my husband and I had plans for the weekend and a last minute "emergency" project came in, my plans with my husband were inevitably scrapped. My job came first. My boss, not my husband, was on the receiving end of my best. In my quest for personal fulfillment, I exchanged the freedom of being a wife for slavery of being just an employee.
When women use their gifts and talents in their home, it is a thing of unsurpassed beauty. I love cooking, baking and making my house a home. I could go out into the world, start a business and be highly successful, however, that would be a waste of my talents. Think about it. If I ran a restaurant or a bakery or an interior design business, I could delight a few customers for a few years. If, instead, I bake for my family and create a cozy, inviting home for my husband and children, I will impact generations of people. By using the gifts that God has given me to serve the most important people in my life, I can direct the course of the future. Just try to get a paying job to do that!
The truth of the matter is that when you use your strengths in a job, no matter how good you are, you are still just an employee. Even if you own the business and you're the boss, your business is just a business. It is not eternal. But, your husband and your children are. They deserve the very best of you - not the leftovers.
When you are feeling overwhelmed, unappreciated and like you're wasting your life serving everyone but yourself, be of good courage. You are becoming a crown to your husband - an object of royal beauty. Your children will one day raise up and called you blessed - something your boss will never do. In truth, a paycheck is a poor substitute for the riches of true womanhood.
