A stay-at-home mother

Since Kamuela and I moved to town three years ago, I have been blessed that I don't have to work. For the first 6 months it was a really nice break, seeing as I had been working at least part time since I was 14 years old. After 6 months I started to get bored and wanted to work again. But we were about to start having children, and I didn't want to get a job only to quit 9 months later.  Kamuela and I had decided that as much as possible I should stay home with the baby, and besides, I can't stand to be away from my baby for more than a couple of hours at the most! The thought of leaving him for the whole day to have someone else spend that precious time with him is unbearable to me.  We realize we are very lucky to have this choice. 

However, as ridiculous as it sounds, I can't help but feel guilty when people ask me if I work. I start questioning my decision and think "should I be working?" Has society really changed so much over the years that it's the norm for mothers to work outside of the home now? So many people laughed at the idea that I'd be a stay-at-home mum, saying we'd never afford it! Well, I know we only have one child right now, but we're making it work. And I think Kamuela and I are "where there's a will there's a way" kind of people. We rely on faith, we work hard, and we try to make good choices.

Now more than ever I'm learning the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have the same values as you, who inspire you, and encourage you. That is what I love about the church! People who are in similar situations, who you can relate to, and learn from! We are not alone. Although I feel completely out of touch with the world now, it's so refreshing to be able to go to our church and feel at home. Even though members have their differences and everyone has their own trials, there is a common goal among us all - that we're all trying to improve. When a group of people get together who are united in thought, word and deed, it's powerful. And with Christ at the head, and the Holy Ghost to bear witness and speak to our spirits, we are strengthened beyond our own capabilities. 

Anyway, I'm really glad to be in a ward with so many other young couples with babies, some mothers who work and some who don't and to know its ok, and I don't have to feel bad, and I'm fulfilling the calling the Lord has given me. Sometimes sacrifice isn't about having to go out and work in order to put food on the table and not see your babies all day, but about giving up the desire you might have to be out there working, getting recognition from peers and superiors for your achievements, or having a little extra cash so you can move out of your tiny one bedroom apartment and into something with more room and a parking space. (it's material, Roxanne, think of your mansion above if you can but endure to the end).

I love this talk by Elder Ballard called Daughters of God so much it's bookmarked on my computer. His counsel is so loving and wise and shows that he understands mothers. "I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood...There is no one perfect way to be a good mother...What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

So I'm going to try and enjoy every moment I have with my family at this point in our lives and not worry so much about what might happen in the future so much that I rush through the here and now. After all, today is a day of eternity!