Monday, March 17, 2008

Answering the Call and Accepting the Charges

When I glanced down at the paper and noticed my "occupation" listed as HOMEMAKER, I was glad there was no mirror in the elevator so I didn't have to look at my screwed up face. I love my family, but I'm tired of being identified that way. I know it's not right, but I imagine the people typing in the information or the people reading the form are thinking HOMEMAKER is code for "loser without a job".

Maybe it got to me because I spent the day before feeling frustrated that I wasn't seen as important. When you're a HOMEMAKER, people don't ask you about your "job". They don't find it or you interesting and I find conversations are nearly always centered on someone else. Maybe I'm tired of living in the shadow of others or having everyone else's needs be more important than mine. (Boy, my self-centeredness is making its way front and center--ouch!) Maybe I'm tired of waiting for it to be my turn to shine (or worried it never will be). Or maybe I'm just feeling old (getting a mammogram and glasses in the same week will do that to ya). Most likely I am just plain tired and could use a nap for a good attitude adjustment.

I know the title HOMEMAKER doesn't begin to explain who I am and what I do, just as any title doesn't come close to describing the work of its holder. So I have to ask myself, what is my real problem?

I sat down and talked with God about it and He brought up this:

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10

I must have an ego problem. I want to be impressive. I want to be recognized. I want the praise of others.

But I want to be used by God more.

There is no room for arrogance and self-centeredness in His work. He knew I'd have a problem with it I guess, and so He gave me this HOMEMAKER gig. And I do like my life, very much. I just need to quit looking around and put my nose to the grindstone in what He's asked of me.

As for those who seemed to be important--whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance. . .
Galatians 2:6

I don't have a fancy title or impressive credentials, Lord, but I have You. I am secure in You. Forgive me for playing the comparison game. I don't have to prove myself. I am who I am, Your servant, Your child, Your chosen instrument for the jobs You give me.

By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. . .
1 Corinthians 15:10

5 comments:

Dianne said...

Good post. So true and I can relate in a different way. We were discussing in Velvet Elvis how Rob Bell says we define ourselves by what we do but that's not how God defines us. We are forgiven, chosen, redeemed, loved, etc.

Miriam Pauline said...

Bless you for this post. ((hugs))

Brenda said...

When I got to that stage I started writing "Domestic Godess" but you attitude sounds better.

Anonymous said...

Are there not more women out there feeling the same way? I know I get your emails about a day late and I was amazed to find no more than 3 comments!

Bless you for this post! I feel it almost every day since all my friends still work and I'm the only "at home" mom. I think many think I'm lazy when there are days I would give anything for an occupation for a break!

You know my thoughts and feelings on this issue. Thank you once again for showing me the light!

Love you!

Anonymous said...

Tami ~
Great post! Although I have to say that "homemaker" can be a title of honor. Within this is the word Mom: the greatest gift God gave to women, and home: because home is wherever mom is, and make: because moms just know how to make you special even when you feel you are not. What about hear: because moms have a way of hearing what you cannot always say. You are a wonderful mom, wife, and a God given blessing to your family as not only their homemaker but their friend and wife and mother. Love you.