Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Down To One

If you know me, then you know that I'm ALWAYS busy. I'm often very relieved that I don't have a 40 hour/week job as I'm sure I would never get time to sleep or eat. There were times when I was working 3-4 small jobs at once (none of them more then 10 hours a week) and as work in those jobs slowly began to fizzle, I found myself just as busy as ever. Maybe the world can't grasp the concept that work-from-home-wife does not equal full-time-soap-opera-watcher-and-bon-bon-eater. So I began to say "no" for the first time in my life. I even scheduled "NO!" days on my calendar...I had at least one of those a week and at least one "NO!" weekend a month. And slowly, but surely, my calendar began to clear. I found myself, FINALLY, only working 2 days a week (for the Edwards') and even had entire days when I could just do things that I wanted to do. I didn't have to go anywhere or do anything for anyone else. I was making a little extra money, had time for myself and was finally really satisfied with how my time was being spent.

And here I am on my first afternoon of being unemployed. Due to the current economic status, the luxury of a part-time nanny was one that the Edwards' could no longer afford. Today as little Yannick (who is 4 now) came up to me before nap and thanked me for making his bed so pretty (which pretty much equals me making the bed and putting all his animals on it) I knew for sure that I'd miss them like crazy. While I know we'll see them occassionally, it will definitely be different when I don't get to see them twice a week.

So now what? Do I look for another job? Wait a minute...don't I already have a job? Ummm, yeah I do. In all the chaos that has consumed my calendar for the past year, I would often forget that my most important job is being a stay at home wife. Yes, that means cleaning and laundry and doing dishes and organizing (which are mostly somewhat fun things...well, for me anyway!) but it also means creating a home for us that is a loving place to be. It means having time to use the creativity and talent that God has blessed me with, so that I can bless others. But I think that most important thing that it means is that I get to do the things for me that I need to do to be the best wife I can be to the man that God has given me. So, I'm not "employed" in the sense that I get a paycheck and have benefits and get vacation time. But, I'm down to one "job" and it's probably one of the most important ones I'll ever have.

3 comments:

hisgirlcridey said...

I think that, in my case anyway, creating a loving home that reflects a Christ-centered marriage can also be done working outside of the home. I feel that I am fulfilling God's plan for me by working with children and supplementing our income, especially while Mike is in school. Through this income, I'm being my husband's helper in creating a house where one day, we will raise our children. Whether women work outside of the home or become stay at home wives is a matter of personal choice, and both decisions are perfectly fine as long as God is at the center of both homes and both decisions. Just thought I'd share. Not that your blog came across this way at all, but there are some people who get soooo high and mighty about how Christian women should be stay at home wives in order to best suit their husbands' needs, and I thought I'd share my two cents because we're friends like that :)

NurseMarcie said...

Sarai- You were in my thoughts and prayers today on your last day with the Edwards and I pray that it all went very well for you. I know that God is going to use you in many ways to make a difference, He already has! I think it is Wonderful that you will have some time to spend at home and do the things that you need and want to do and as far as being a Godly wife, You and Marty are both so blessed to have each other and I am so thankful to have you guys in my life. You are wonderful at everything that you do and I just pray that you will take some time for you. I also want to thank you for the idea of NO days that we talked about this weekend. I am putting mine into effect next month and can't wait. You are an Awesome friend and I just want you to know that you are so loved by so many:) I will talk to you soon and look forward to a lunch date after April 25th:) Call me if you need anything at all friend!

The Big Sister said...

I love what you wrote because it reminded me of why I do what I do! I think I take the blessing to be able to stay home for granted these days, and when people ask what I do, I always feel like I have to justify my decision to stay home with other people. I tell them I am a photographer (which I almost NEVER get PAID for) or that I teach piano lessons (I teach my niece for free) but Its like I have to come up with SOMETHING to make myself seem more...useful? But the truth is that we don't need the world's understanding or appreciation for what we do when we choose to stay home- we need to find that in ourselves and our relationship with God-- because that's what really counts and its almost being ungrateful to him for this blessing in my life to not appreciate it- so THANKS for the reminder! And I am so glad you have the ability to stay home and make the world a better place for all around you!!!