Some of you who read my blog don't hold down a full-time job....well, you know what I mean...not a paying full-time job!!! Do you ever get questioned about what you do with your time? Okay, if you are a stay at home Mom, then you probably don't. But, if you're old like me, people wonder what in the world you do all day long. I've had people ask that question, or make somewhat negative comments about the fact that I don't "work". I've even been made to feel a bit guilty because I no longer hold down a full-time job. If it had been totally up to me, I probably would still be out in the work force. It was one of the most difficult decisions that I ever made...but it was actually a leap of faith. God had prompted me to quit my job for quite some time, and Pappy had also wanted me to be at home...but I just couldn't make myself do it. I can so clearly remember having a conversation with God about how in the world did He expect us to make it without my salary, and every time that I questioned Him...He sent me Jeremiah 29:11, and you all know that is my "signature verse"!!! Wasn't it silly of me to question God...to think that He couldn't, or wouldn't, take care of us??? I could give you time after time that He has come thru since I listened to Him and obeyed Him. I've told you all about that before. But....when you think of the word "work", most of the time you think about getting up and going somewhere and putting in a day's, or a night's, "work", and probably on Friday, getting a paycheck. I have friends who work plus stay so busy doing the Lord's work, too, and I just don't see how they do it all!!! A lot of times I get up in the morning with several things in mind that I want to get accomplished that day...but most of the time, God has a different idea of the "work" He wants me to do for Him that day. Without going into detail, He sends people my way several times a week, and I know that they are from Him...people that He puts in my path that are in some kind of need. Working for the Lord is all the payment that I need for now...the joy that it gives me to serve Him!!! I am probably the most imperfect person He ever created...and I find it so crazy sometimes that He uses me the way He does, which in itself is such a blessing!!! If He can use me...then, He can use you, too. Don't ever feel that you aren't good enough for God to use!!! He has been leading me for some time to write something about self-worth, and self-image. I have put it off because that is a very tender subject for me. But, soon, you'll be reading something about that topic.
In the meantime....I'll keep on doing the "work" that He leads me to do. I look back at when I did work on a public job, as my Daddy used to call it. We had more...but I wasn't nearly as happy as I am now. I love spending time with Jess and with the boys. I will never regret all the time I've been able to love on those precious grandchildren, because I did have to "work" when Jess was growing up. I might not be able to spend a lot of money on them...but I sure do spend a lot of time with them...and that is what is the most important thing to me. I thank God daily for letting me be home and for using me in His "work"!!! I thank Him for Pappy, who also loves the Lord...and loves me...and that God has provided him with a job that provides for us!!! I love my Jesus so much...and am so grateful that He loves me!!!
Ruth 2:12 (KJV)
The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
I really like the New Living Translation.....
Ruth 2:12 (NLT)
May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
In His love...and with mine!!!
Yes, there are some days that I feel guilty myself for not working outside of the home. But I know I will never regret being there for my children and my hubby.
ReplyDeleteI was truly blessed growing up and having my mother at home with my sisters and I. Now, God is going allowed her to be home with her grandchildren. I told my mom I was so glad because I needed her help. I told my dad I wished both of them did not have to work.