What do I do Next?

As you may or may not know, the last of our daughters are graduating this year. Whatever will you do now? I have had many suggestions from well meaning family and friends. Go get a job and Finally contribute your fair share being the theme of most.

Why are stay at home moms considered lazy? Does it mean nothing that I have a daughter who is an entrepreneur and is very good at what she does and still has time for her own child? Does it mean nothing that another daughter who has made serious, I mean very serious, poor choices is now taking responsibilities on her own? I know this dd will still probably make some selfish choices; however, she is taking the responsibility of those choices and the consequences. Does it mean nothing that another daughter is graduating high school and passed the CHESPE so even the state considers her educated. This dd who struggles with LD's and health issues. Does it mean nothing that the last daughter is also graduating high school, passed the CHESPE and works part time, all a year early? Would they have done as well in the important things if Mom was gone most of the time? Maybe, maybe not.

What about my dear husband? Would his diabetes be under control? Would he have healed as quickly and as well as he did without my presence? What about his wishes and desires that I be home?

I am not saying that moms should never be out in the workforce. I have no animosity or judgements against moms who choose or need to work outside of the home. I just wish the same could be said about moms who choose to stay home. Why do we attack each other like this? How do we judge others without knowing the details? Who do we think we are judging others anyway?

I am fully aware of the consequences of the decision that I was home for all these years. I understand that I don't have SS work quarter credits enough for any retirement. I understand that this country believes that because I haven't worked that I don't deserve anything. I know that our house has not always been highly maintained because of cost. The essentials have always been taken care of and God has always provided our needs. I know that I could have had nicer, new clothes and shoes more often through the years and in the future. I know that the workplace now looks upon me as "too old" to start a career. I believe that is their loss not mine. I will survive no matter what happens in the future.

So people can stop worrying about me. I am fully capable of doing whatever needs to be done in the future and I do not need to worry. My husband loves me and my children love me. More than that I have a father in heaven who loves me even more. Children are supposed to grow up. Parents are supposed to allow them to fly. The nest is still available for safe landings. My job is the guard the nest and help where MY family needs. Not the world's needs until after my own family's needs. God will let me know what needs and jobs He has for ME. I don't have to answer to anyone else. I choose to stay under the umbrellas God has provided for me and hold the umbrellas over my children who choose to stay under them. I don't have to consider other's opinions if my priorities are right.

If you are reading this far I hope you know that I have written more out of emotion than grammar or composition. I pray that you remain strong in your convictions and stay under the authority of God. It's really so much easier to go through the storms of life when you keep under the protection of God's plan for you.