Does such an individual exist? Want to know more? Consider the homemaker described in the side-panel: mother, wife, business woman, entrepreneur, public speaker, bargain-hunter, administrator, organizer, artist, fashion model, seamstress, merchant, chef, gardener, philanthropist, leader, and beauty queen—all wrapped into one!
I don’t know about you, but this perfect woman sounds kind of intimidating—yet, if you really think about it, every Career Homemaker probably performs at least 99% of these duties—most times on a daily basis.
A career in homemaking is not for weaklings. After all, it started with labor. Now, you’re probably thinking, after doing and being everything to my husband, children, and others, when do I have time for me? What about my needs?
According to Mothers of Preschoolers (M.O.P.S.), there are nine things every Career Homemaker needs: significance, identity, growth, intimacy, instruction, help, recreation, perspective and hope.
1. Significance
Mothers and homemakers do make a difference, but their importance can be easily forgotten in the day-to-day busyness of parenting. Psalm 127:3 states, “Children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.” In the middle of the night as you comfort a red-faced, arched-back, tight-fisted, screaming infant who refuses to settle down, it’s hard to think that this child is a reward. James Dobson once said, “Children are not casual guests in our homes. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built.” Just imagine, you are temporarily in charge of an eternal being! If that is not significant, I don’t know what is!
2. Identity
Career Homemakers sometimes lose sight of the fact that they are unique individuals of great value. Their attention is focused primarily on their children, leaving them feeling like they’ve lost touch with who they are. GOD has a unique purpose for you in addition to being a mother and homemaker. When you come to know Him, He helps you to discover what that purpose and identity is.
3. Growth
Homemakers often convince themselves that their own lives must be put on hold while their children grow. But, they are better moms when they keep themselves, as well as their children, continuously learning and growing—never thinking they have arrived or have totally matured.
4. Intimacy
Career Homemakers need close relationships and need to intentionally pursue intimacy in their marriages, their friendships, and with GOD. There is nothing GOD loves like He loves you. He knows what it takes for you to enter into intimacy with Him, and that is exactly how He approaches you. Your task is to discover how to invite Him into intimacy—not just wait for Him to seek you out. Listen to His Call, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.” (Song of Solomon 2:10-11)
5. Instruction
You’re not born equipped with everything there is to know about homemaking. You need help in making appropriate choices, and you need trusted people to give you information and encouragement. Resist the urge to raise your children using cookie-cutter approaches. Carefully study each child’s unique personality from the moment you receive him/her as a gift. This will keep you on your toes—and your knees. GOD understands the awesome responsibility and time commitment attached to His gift. And although He does not include a money-back guarantee or a warranty, He does include an Instruction Manual (His Word). And the more familiar you are with the Manual, the more effective you will be as a homemaker.
6. Help
Career Homemakers have many responsibilities every day. Although capable of doing a lot, they are not meant to go it alone. They need to ask for help, and they need others who can give it. A wise homemaker will seek and solicit others to share the load.
7. Recreation
Children aren’t the only ones who need to have fun. Homemakers need fun, too, and sometimes they need to play apart from the kids. Recreation is really “re-creation”. Here’s a simple, inexpensive way to “re-create”: Listening to music can reduce stress as much as 41%. Why not take a 5 to15 minute break and listen to some praise music. The power of GOD’s love set to words or music remains timeless and tireless.
8. Perspective
In the busyness of family life, things that are most important can get lost in the daily urgencies. Career Homemakers need to be reminded of what matters most over the course of a lifetime and for eternity. If you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people and doing the best you can, happiness will find you. You matter to GOD at every age and at every stage of your life. He wants you to have His perspective and focus.
9. Hope
Career Homemakers may be busy, but they have moments when they ponder the deeper issues and questions of life. When they find JESUS CHRIST, they come to know the reason for living. They find a love like no other, and they can teach true hope to their children. Someone once said, “No GOD, no power.” It is better stated, “Know GOD, Know Power!” GOD truly makes a miracle out of the hustle, bustle, and overall mess of our lives.
