I haven't posted much on here in a while. I have, however, been busy at my other blogs, one of which is Our Irish Manor. In between sicknesses and working on the house, we attempt to keep up with school. We've also had a couple birthdays around here, and my 31st is just around the corner!
Hard to believe that I will have 5 kids in just a few more months. When we started our family, I never thought that I would want a big family, but I feel like this is right for us. It may be that God's plan for us stops at 5, but who am I to say?
I am, however, feeling rather overwhelmed by all the commitments outside of our home. I feel spread far too thin, trying to keep up with even a few weekly activities. Church, grocery shopping, lessons, helping other people. I love each of these, but I feel more and more strongly that my place is at home, taking care of what I have now (namely my husband, children and finishing our house!) and these outside things make it hard to keep up with my daily responsibilities. Between preparing for a baby and trying to get unpacked (never mind the remodel!), I am booked!
A blog that I have been enjoying for its practical advice on homeschooling and its positive perspective on mothering and raising a large family (do we qualify with only 4?) has a great post on getting things back into perspective as women of the home. You can read it here. It is nice to hear someone say that even those things that are good and help us spiritually or even our children's education, can get in the way of us doing our most important work - making a home for our family!
What I love most about being a stay at home, homeschooling mom is having my family around me in a place where we are all comfortable. It is our oasis in a broken world, our resting place. I have mentioned before that I don't deal with clutter well. I get upset and irritable, often taking it out on those around me. It doesn't make it any easier to put things in order when we are constantly preparing to leave the house (which is a TASK!) for errands or activities. I may just take a sabbatical from all outside activities for a while... just until I can get to a place at home where the peace has returned and my family is really being taken care of.
I know that this if foreign to so many "churched" people. We are told that when things get tough, its because we aren't spending enough time at church with God! We are told that having our kids in extra activities helps them become "well rounded adults!" I don't disagree completely with all of these, but a cluttered or chaotic home that is neglected will not be fixed by prayer alone! God will not clean or organize my house while I am gone; that is my job! He may provide the food, but I am the one who will assemble it into healthy meals for my family and that takes preparation! I think the benefits of taking a step back and getting refocused will make far more of an impact, in both the immediate and distant future, than the damage done by not being at church for a hand full of weeks. Am I wrong?
I could use some feedback on this one.
2 comments:
I say go for it. but then again, i consider church "extra." I think --no, I KNOW-- there are times when there is no time and energy for extras. Last year we skipped a lot of extras because of life. We're back to many of them now, it didn't last forever for us. I'm sure there are many who will not understand or agree with this idea and that is hard, especially if their disagreeing or not understanding is accompanied by judgment. :( But, you are the mama and you need to do what is best for your family!
Yep, I ditto "Mama's" comments! The important thing is to do what is best for your family. The pressure to be like someone else's family is great especially when there are judgmental comments being thrown out. But you are the one that knows what will bring "Shalom to your Home!" You do need "girl" time with a few select friends, but all of the "going and doing" will drain you fast with little to show for it in the long run (I've been there, and done that, and even have the scars to show it). Please be encouraged by not obligating yourself to do more than what is best! You have a lot at stake and your children don't need to be "sacrificed" on the altar of "activity". When the time is right, the Lord will bring activities outside of the home that build your family up and encourage everyone. Love ya and prayin' for ya!
Kristine:)
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