I have the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom.
This week has involved a lot of rearranging plans and shuffling kids. The week started with something on the calendar every day after school. In many ways, this was a normal week.
Cate got her bottom braces and one popped off that night, requiring a quick appointment the next morning that created a domino effect of detail changes for the day.
The shuffling and rearranging of things and people used to drive me crazy. Like ruin-my-day crazy. Over time, though, my husband has helped give perspective, counseling has been a safe place for me to talk through my personality and my goals, and I’ve found peace in knowing God is the rescuer who has been changing me from the inside out.
(And we’re talking YEARS in process, my friends.)
I’m grateful I get to be available to take care of my kids when braces pop off, when picking them up from school in the afternoon works better than using the bus service, when they have so many stories and thoughts, when they need to be potty trained, when they have basketball practice and art club, when they need to learn to swim, when they’ve been invited to birthday parties at the same time.
(I’m also grateful for childcare help when I need extra help, and this week that looked like a younger friend being willing to help me when my usual help – my mother-in-law – has been out of town.)
Being available like that means I say “no” or “not right now” to good things. It means I may run late to something I volunteered to do. I have so many ideas of projects and things I want to do. But I know the truth: They won’t be little for long. They won’t need me to drive them around. They may not always freely unload all their thoughts.
But they do right now.
And I’m here.
Because mothering truly is a privilege.
*****
I’m joining the Five Minute Friday crew today. I was excited to see PRIVILEGE as today’s prompt because this week I’ve been thinking about this privilege of mine. The rules are simple if you want to join us: Set a timer for five minutes. Then write. Share your story at the link up.
Hi, while I’m not a mother I can identify with your post as a nanny. To remember the privilege I have to speak into these little lives for a season instead of simply trying to make it through the day. So thanks! Your FMF neighbor #27
Thank YOU, Bethany, for your kind comment! I’m glad you’re here.
Loved you’re post. Family is truly a privilege and so many do not recognize that.
visiting from #fmf
Love this friend. You are such a gift to your children.
Thank you, Tara. You’re in my prayers as you wait. xo
What a privilege and a blessing to be able to be home for your children. Thank you for sharing. I’m at #61 this week.
Somehow your comment ended up in span, Barbie, but I rescued it! 🙂 Thanks for being here.
being part of a family that is bonded in this manner is such a good privilege. I have had this too. And i am thankful for it. I long for strong mother and father figures for those who have not know this love and connectedness. that they will be given this special and uplifting gift.
Thanks for being here with encouragement, Janel!
Kristin, it’s great to read your thoughts here. Life does move fast, and it’s great to dig down contentedly into the soil God’s placed us in at this time. I particularly appreciate what you say about counseling, perspective, and learning what works for our personality and why we are as we are. Challenging but good stuff. As for kid care: although mine are teens, I still have the privilege of working from home so that I can be there when they need me. Both my kids have special needs (autism spectrum): my son goes to high school but he must be put on the bus and met when he gets off, so it’s great that I can be at home. And my daughter is working online on her university degree and is home all the time, so I’m grateful that I can do my work at home and be available for them both.
Jeannie (#37 in the linkup this week)
Yes, it sounds like you have a great situation happening for your family too. I’m glad you’re here, Jeannie!
Kristin, I’m so sorry I haven’t gotten here sooner. I was sick over the weekend, and now I’m playing catch up. 🙂
This is such a beautiful post. I love your intentional mothering! I agree. I count it a privilege to stay home with our boys. I love hearing their stories, but there are days where I have to work harder to draw them out. 😉
Thank you for the reminder of what a gift we have in being available to our kiddos!
No apologies necessary, Jeanne! I hope you’re feeling better! Thanks for being here with such a kind comment. xo