Motherhood and contentment can come in numerous shapes and forms. There is not a one size fits all when finding contentment within your motherhood journey. One thing is for certain however, we each need to find joy and satisfaction in the ministry of motherhood that we have been called to fulfill.
God calls us to motherhood and contentment within our journey. It is our duty to find the happiness that comes from motherhood and maintain it despite the daily stress and trials that are put in our path.
Today we are blessed with a guest post from Phyllis Sather as she discusses her perspective on motherhood and contentment.
Thoughts on Motherhood and Contentment
by Phyllis Sather
A Collection of Articles to Encourage Your Relationship
This is our newly released book on mothers training their daughters to be Godly women who love and serve the Lord with their whole heart, soul, and mind.
I wanted to share a preview to whet your appetite for the easily applied truths I share in this book.
From Chapter 1
I’m a Homemaker…Period!
In the midst of a recent conversation the usual question was asked: “Do you work outside the home?” I immediately replied, “No.” Then, as if to validate myself, I quickly gestured to our three children and added, “I homeschool our children.”
As soon as the words were out of my mouth I regretted them. I had just confirmed to my 19- & 20-year-old daughters, and my 16-year-old son for that matter, that being a homemaker isn’t a worthwhile choice—or at the very least, that it can’t be all you do.
[Tweet “I had confirmed to my kids that being a homemaker isn’t a worthwhile choice” read more…]
Those of you who know me know that isn’t what I think. I’m a dyed-in-the-wool advocate for at-home moms. I believe with all my heart that being a wife and mother is the highest call God can place on a woman’s life. So why, in situations like the above, do I feel the need to say I do more, explain my choice, or attempt to validate myself?
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have…”
Is it a lack of contentment, or covetousness, that makes me unable or unwilling to say, “I’m a homemaker—period”? Personally, I think it’s a little bit of both.
We are confronted frequently with a worldview that says many demeaning things about homemakers—Don’t you want more? Don’t you feel the need to “find yourself”? Aren’t you bored? Whatever do you do all day? Then there is the belief that if you aren’t getting paid you aren’t doing something valuable.
How do we combat this barrage of faulty world views that often make us yearn for more—or just wonder if there isn’t more—or feel the need to sound more impressive than just being a homemaker?
Cultivate a grateful spirit
I find that when I’m being grateful I’m also more content. One time, when asked if I worked outside the home, I actually went over and took my husband’s arm and said, “No, I don’t, and I’m so grateful for a husband who wants me to stay home and care for him and our children.” Every once in a while I do manage to get it right.
It’s often when we begin seeing our glass half empty instead of half full that we find ourselves being discontent.
Take a moment during your quiet time to thank God for the opportunity to stay home. Thank your husband for working so hard that you are able to be at home. Thank him for wanting you to stay home.
Join us next Monday as Phyllis shares more things we can do to keep contentment and praise in our life and home.
You can Purchase Thoughts on Mothers & Daughters © 2007 Phyllis Sather Here or you can Purchase the Kindle version.
Phyllis Sather is an ordinary woman serving an extraordinary God. She has been the joyful wife of her best friend Daniel for 30 years and became a stay at home mom 25 years ago after retiring from a management position. She homeschooled their three children, Emily (28), Rebekah (26), and Eric (24), for the past 20+ years and they are now continuing their education and working. She wrote a magazine column on mothers and daughters for five years and has published several books. Her favorite is Purposeful Planning. Visit her on her at Phyllis-Sather.com
Simply Rachel says
This is wonderful! I, too, am a homemaker (and homeschooling mother) and I feel very strongly about it! I’m PROUD of it and very thankful! Thanks for sharing such a positive message, even when it’s not the ‘popular’ choice. (And thanks for linking up to ‘Favorite Things Friday’ with Simply Rachel & Hip Homeschooling!)
Phyllis Sather says
Thanks for stopping by Rachel, and for your encouraging words. I enjoy meeting up with you on Favorite Things Friday.
Lori says
I’m a homemaker also. I spent the first 7 years of our marriage teaching school. One of those years, I substituted after my son was born. I would not want to go back to teaching just to “fulfill” my desires. My desire is to be caring for my family and home. There’s no shame in being a homemaker.
Lori says
Thank you for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.
Phyllis Sather says
Hi Lori,
Glad to see you here. So glad we agree about being at home moms.