A Sure Vocation
Through the upheaval in our household lately I have returned to a thought I have had many times in the past. I am so grateful that my own vocation is supremely clear, that I do not have to wonder what I should be doing. I am a housewife and a mother. That vocation influences who I am. And I can’t be fired. The job evolves and it is possible for the job to end, but I’m not going to be called into an office and told to walk away from my identity at home. I am instead called to embrace that identity and shape my identity to the home and the people in my home.
And if I am grateful for having that certainty in my vocation, should I not also be grateful for the vocation itself, for my own particular daily grind?
And if my husband is so certain of his role as provider that he will take a job quickly and work diligently at it, preferring a secure income to wandering in indecision and self-pity, shouldn’t I be grateful not only for his provision (which I most heartily am), but also for my own work? If my husband is so determined to be the sole and sufficient provider, should I not make myself worthy of that diligent provision? I do not always enjoy my daily work, but I do enjoy my job and my role. Shouldn’t that affect my attitude about the work more than it generally does? If my husband will see the advantages of his current situation and will switch his career once more, overcoming his disappointment, can’t I at least cheerfully wash the dishes and sweep the floor? If he can sit at a desk all day and do good work, even though he had imagined himself speeding with flashing lights and breaking up bar brawls and arresting felons, can’t I do laundry even though I dislike laundry? If he can switch gears so abruptly and see the positive points of experience and potential that this job brings, can’t I find the patience to consistently instruct and discipline my children whom I love?
I love my job. I love my children. I have the best job security there is. It’s time to start working as if all that is true.
Amen!