I had originally started this post off very differently. I wanted to give everyone an idea of what I believe in but then I decided that if you are reading my blog, it's most likely because you know me. And, if you know me, you know that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and that my faith plays a big part in my life. If you are interested in finding out more about my beliefs, you can go to www.lds.org.
What I really want to do is share an experience I had a couple of weeks ago. I believe that when I pray, Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers. I also believe that the scriptures are there for us to search and ponder and that by doing so, we can find enlightenment that can apply to whatever situation in life we are in.
First, I need to preface this by saying that Ian and I decided that when Abby was born I would not return to work. I was an Elementary School teacher and although I loved my job, it could be very stressful at times (but what job isn't?). I was so grateful because I have always wanted to be able to stay at home with my children and I know that there are many women out there who would have taken this opportunity, but had to work for financial reasons.
What I didn't realize is that staying at home is no easy feat. It takes time management (which is a skill I am severely lacking in), self-motivation (if you were to look at my house right now you would think that I have none), and creativity (I have my moments). One thing that I have found is that it can be somewhat socially isolating (for both mother and child) if you don't make the effort to reach out through playgroups and family members. I have been very blessed in regards to both and I feel it has really helped Abby's social skills to grow.
Still, there are those who can sometimes wonder how you can choose to stay at home rather than go out and work. I have been asked, "What do you do at home during the day?"
I do laundry, the dishes, sweep the floors at least 3 times a day (Abby feels that she can eat all by herself now so half the food ends up in her high chair and on the floor), I change lots of diapers, play with Abby outside (she loves the cats around the neighborhood) and keep an eye on her as she walks inside the house and plays with her toys while I make dinner. (To be honest, I also laugh a lot during the day thanks to the adorable little girl that I have keeping me company). Depending on the day of the week, I go grocery shopping, to playgroup, to my sister's, my mom's, or out with my sister-in-law.
I was feeling particularly down one time about this; feeling like maybe the daily things I do aren't really that important. I wouldn't change being able to stay at home and raise my daughter for the world! I know how blessed and lucky I am to have this opportunity but sometimes I feel like I would like to change the way others view this choice.
I was reading the scriptures when I came across this scripture a while back. I remember it clearly because I had the impression that I should make note of it. I thought that was strange because it isn't one that I felt was applicable to me until I looked at it again. I started drawing comparisons, but I never wrote anything down.
During this particular time I recalled the impression I felt when I had read this scripture before and found it again.
It is Mosiah 26:37 (it's a scripture in The Book of Mormon which we believe is another testament of Jesus Christ. We also believe The Holy Bible to be the word of God). It reads: "And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the Church; and they began again to have peace and to prosper exceedingly in the affairs of the Church, walking circumspectly before God . . ."
I felt like if I replaced Alma's name (who was a prophet of God in The Book of Mormon) with my own and the word "Church" with "home" I could completely relate this scripture to staying at home and taking care of my children and my home. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard work. There are lots of "affairs" to get in order. How I take care of my home and those in it will determine the amount of peace we have in our home.
The true peace away from the world comes from " . . . walking circumspectly before God . . .". I believe that this can come through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ being the focal point of our homes through family prayer and scripture study and staying focused on being an eternal family.
I am so grateful for the scriptures and for how they can be related to our lives. Heavenly Father knew I needed this scripture at that particular moment. That's why I felt prompted to make note of it a while back and prompted to recall it at the time I needed it.
I am so grateful to a loving Father in Heaven that reminded me that raising children and keeping a home is sacred business and one of the most important jobs I will ever do.
