Choices

I was blessed today by a conversation between two ladies whose children are raised, my sister-in-law, and myself. The older ladies live in very small homes, one is probably around 1300 sq ft and the other surely is not much bigger because they are on the same street and none of the homes are large. I've been in both, but only recall one well--it is tiny, but adorable and so neat. I really love it.

The discussion was one of joy when these older ladies learned my SIL is going to stay home with her new baby. With children raised and grandchildren now, they were quick to say that large homes, cars, nice big wardrobes etc. are just not worth the price paid by working outside the home when you have young children.

My SIL approaches it merely as a blessing she can stay home, she's thankful it has worked out that way...but truth be told, they have planned all along for her to be home when they had children, so adjusted their materialism to meet what her husband's salary could provide. In this day of success being measured by what one has, I have found it encouraging to watch them.

I was also very encouraged listening to the women not mince words or dance around the issues surrounding the sacrifice of staying home. Of course, they and we don't really see it as a sacrifice at all, it's a privilege. Still, it is very encouraging when others who have walked the path are there to cheer you on.

If you are planning to have children one day, why not plan conservatively and do what God says is a blessing--be a keeper at home. While you may not see women who stay at home with their kids thronging the streets or plastering billboards, they are out there, quietly sacrificing and loving, fully satisfied with their life-doing the work that matters most.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.