Confessions of a Missionary Mom Part 2

I sometimes feel like I should be doing More...

My days are spent like many other stay at home mom's around the world. I cook, clean, home school the kids, wash the clothes, etc. As a "missionary wife" I sometimes feel that I should be doing more. I should be opening an orphanage, or going out and conducting my own Bible studies with women, or something else besides just being at home all the time.

When we had our visitors here to help with the work I really wanted to be "out and about" helping pass out tracts, or visiting other villages. When I didn't get to go and see the baptism of our newest sister in Christ, "Mama Judy" I started to get a little sad. When they called to say that they were going to the river, I was busy folding socks. Although the socks could have waited, it wouldn't have worked out for them to drive 45 min. to pick me and the kids up, and besides they didn't have room in the car. Even though I told myself this, it didn't make me feel much better. For a moment I still had a pity party for myself. I wondered why I had to be the one here doing all the "unimportant things" like fold socks.

Then I started to laugh to myself. I pictured all the guys walking around without any socks. If they didn't have the socks that I was folding, then they would definitely get blisters with all the walking that they were doing. And then I thought about the meals that were being prepared, they surely couldn't do the work without food. Although they had learned how to kill their own chicken, they certainly wouldn't have a clue how to make their food from scratch. So I started thinking about all the "important" jobs that were being done, right here at home. I started thinking about how someone around the house is even more needed in a "mission field" because there is no dry cleaning, no fast food, or even frozen foods. I know that there is a time for me to be "out and about"doing volunteer work, but only when it is scheduled into my day. I knew at this time I was needed the most at home. My mind turned to the scripture that talks about each member of the body having their own place. (1 Cor. 12:12 ff.)  I knew the same comparison could be made of the home. Each member of the home couldn't do what it does as well without the other. God has made a design for everything, even from the beginning. And his design for the home is no different now than it was back then. God made woman to be the helper.(Gen. 2:18) It was in that moment that I found myself even more content in my role as a wife, mother, and keeper of the home.

I know that there is even more pressure on women in America to work outside of the home "doing something." But I would like to encourage All Women to look at your role more closely in the home. I encourage you to strive to find contentment with yourself in what you do, and work to make your home peaceful, organized, and a place of joy.

Until Next Time,
Bonnie

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