Not a typical job

Productive days are hard to get going, but feel great at the end of the day. Even if I don't get everything checked off my list, when I know I made the best effort I could to finish them, that's enough for me. Although I don't have a "normal" full time job, I'm constantly working at home keeping the house in decent shape. I want our home to be a welcoming home. As I heard one friend say, my part is to keep it looking nice. That way, when we do have last minute visitors over, I don’t have to scurry around, throwing things in closets. And I no longer have a dishwasher to hide dirty dishes in, which means I have to stay on top of that (annoying) task. I also make an effort to do things to save money. For example, instead of buying granola bars, I make my own. I also take the time to freeze fruit. This week, strawberries were on sale for $.99 a container. Frozen strawberries normally cost $3-$4. I bought 4 containers then cut, washed, and froze all of them to use for homemade smoothies (another way to save several dollars). I once heard a mom say that while her husband was out working making money, it was her job to save money and to stretch his paycheck.

 homemade smoothie. Yumm!!!

 

I do bring in some money, but very little. I watch kids for two different families. It is something that I enjoy, feel confident about, and the hours allow me to get the other things done at home that needs doing. I am so thankful to have a husband who understands my needs and is fine with me not working a full time job. Many people do not understand why I wouldn’t have a typical job, especially after going to college and earning a degree. Honestly, a career is not something that is important to me. I feel most used and content spending half the week with babies and kids caring for them, and the other half around the house completing tasks and running errands. One thing I have been able to do with the extra time is to dry our clothes on the line outside. I don’t have to rush to get things done because I only have a short amount of time. Instead, I’m able to save money on our electric bill by hanging the clothes to dry. There is also something very soothing about hanging the laundry and watching it sway in the summer breeze.

 

Staying home is something that isn’t always fun. Because I am home more than Joel is, I am expected to do more around the house, even things that aren’t so fun. Bathroom cleaning day is one thing I dislike doing, but I do strive to bring glory to God in everything, and to not do anything half-way. Who knew that cleaning a toilet could glorify God? It’s just the same with caring for a baby and changing their diapers. I’ve learned it’s not the task we’re doing, but our attitude while doing it. Colossians 3:1-17 shows us just as we are to live our lives as Christians and give us many instructions and ways to do so. Verse 17 sticks out to me and relates to this post, saying “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Reminding myself of this when cleaning the bathrooms or mopping the floors doesn’t change the fact that it needs to be done, but it changes my mindset and I am able to do it joyfully rather than resenting the task.