Josh at Unbound linked to an article yesterday on a woman confessing that being a stay-at-home mom bores her to tears. He then asked mom readers how they felt. This is what I said:
"I read the article by Kirwin-Taylor when it first came out several months ago and was at first appalled. But that is the self-righteous side of me that wants to puff myself up. The truth is some tasks are boring. Folding laundry is boring - but so was the bookkeeping I did before I had kids. I admit I don’t read the same book over and over again to my kids despite repeated requests because well, it gets boring. So I would not condemn a woman who feels that way - I have a log in my own eye that needs plucking out first.What brings joy and fullfillment is knowing my work is unto the Lord and not men (children, husband, SELF). Looking at my children and their fresh wonder at creation, that all things are new to them, that they are image bearers of God - this is not boring. But this is true for all of life, unless we view it through the lens of the Gospel most of what we do would be pointless, meaningless, unfulfilling and yes, even boring. It all depends on what I’m focusing on - self or God."
It is so important that we are constantly stepping back and reminding ourselves of where our true purpose is found and what the true source of meaning and fulfillment is. Otherwise it is easy to get lost in day to day tasks and feel stuck in a rut, and ultimately bored with life.
Yesterday I listened to a sermon by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle called "Women as Homebuilders". He draws from various passages in Proverbs and emphasized the HUGE impact our calling to the home can have if we build with wisdom. Our call is not a small role and is vital not only to the life of our families but to the health and growth of the church. This is perhaps one of the best defenses of a woman's role homemaking or "homebuilding" I have heard in a long time.
Labels: Children, Motherhood
This is the best perspective I've read regarding that woman's article. I got so tired of reading everyone's opinion of how "terrible" she was because if I were really honest with myself, I'd have to say exactly what you did...it gets boring at times. I have to remind myself that motherhood IS a high calling.
I've never listened to Driscoll. I'll have to check this out. Thanks for the link.
Leslie said...
7:14 PM
I watched a show last night that had this women on for an interview. I love your response Melanie. My first thought was sure I get bored. I find potty training boring :o) especially the fourth time through with the same kid! She said at the end, now that her kids are older she doesn't feel that way. I completely understand what she means.I have struggled at times feeling like my mind would shrivel up if I read one more pre-school book. Now that I read interesting read a-louds to my oldest and we are doing history...the preschool books don't bother me. This doesn't mean you don't serve with joy because it's not your preference. I did get the feeling her children may have been aware of her boredom with them which I would disagree with. But I felt people were being holier then thou with some of their responses. My kids and family are the greatest joy in this life...there are definately boring moments, hard moments, but the reward far outweighs any struggle.
Mrs. "M" said...
9:48 AM