This week I asked women in our (in)couraging Working New Moms group to share pictures of their work spaces. The resulting pictures made me think that these women were proud of their spaces. Had anyone told them that it’s ok to feel that pride? Because it is. By the way, here’s my desk (where I’m sitting now):
I love my job. I never questioned that after The Boy was born, I would return to it. Honestly, my job doesn’t feel like work! My dear grandpa would be so proud and happy that I feel that way – he always said that he never ‘worked’ a day in his life, he found things he loved to do, did them, and got paid for it =)
A few reasons I love what I do:
- I have a fantastic team of co-workers. Seriously, these people are gems. I feel like in most work places, there’s some kind of cattiness, or icky things about individuals, or bad feelings in general. Our team is comprised of the most integrity-filled, faithful, Christian people who truly care for one another and who speak well of their families (because how you speak publicly of your family matters) and of each other. They are smart, experts in their fields, and (as the youngest team member) mentor me without even knowing it.
- They allow me a flexible, part-time, work-from-home schedule. I’ve wanted to be a stay at home mom since we began our baby journey, and my job allows me to do that. Yes, it’s difficult to get all my work done. No, I don’t sleep much (most of that work gets done after The Boy goes to bed). Yes, it’s worth it. I definitely recognize this is an enormous blessing.
- I do work that matters. The work I do seems to be important, to make an impact on others. This is hugely important to me, and probably the single biggest factor to working after The Boy’s birth.
{girl with blog}
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I feel like the root of the Christian world’s leaning towards mothers not working is because God designed women as the nurturers of their family, however I feel like most are being too legalistic about it, if that makes sense. I think we are designed, as mothers, to find our fulfillment in our families, and put our families first, but I don’t think people appreciate that this can be done in SO many different ways. I don’t believe working moms are putting their family on the sideline, I see them working and serving their family, with the added benefit of doing beneficial service for others. I see no problem in this. All of the amazing working mothers I know are not that self-centered, super driven, career-ONLY-minded mom who schedules an hour in with their children solely for appearance purposes I think pops into the head of those who are against mothers working (I can only assume). Anyways, stepping off my soapbox now, but I think you can get my point. Even the Proverbs 31 worked for her family 🙂
Having worked with you before (in a very different scenario… haha), I know that while you are passionate about your “work,” you’re also a person who is completely capable of being equally passionate/loving to everything else … including that lovely family of yours. You’re an amazing woman who is blessing both God and your family by using the talents HE gave you to do so, and that’s phenomenal. You are an phenomenal woman, friend, and one who I look up to as an example of a passionate, driven, love-filled, positive mom/wife/worker/friend that I can aspire to.
Love how authentic this is. No shame my friend, no shame!
Proverbs 31 is actually my life verse. I have never perceived her to be a sahm (she probably was!) but someone who was equal parts virtue and ingenuity.
“because how you speak publicly of your family matters” Yes! I knew a woman who would get really negative about her husband on facebook, her blog and to everyone else and it made me feel uncomfortable. I have always been fiercely loyal to my blood and while we all need to vent, this says so much.
I am so glad that you have shed the guilt and can enjoy your work. The Boy is blessed to call you mom.