Motherhood: An Unworthy Pursuit?

**Disclaimer: In no way am I saying that if you choose to work that it is wrong. Some people have to work and don't have an option of being a stay at home parent. Some people also choose to work and can receive gratification from doing so. I am merely talking about the idea that thinking work is more important, and/or thinking that stay at home moms are not equally as hard at work, is an incorrect notion.**

It has recently been brought to my attention that being a stay at home mom is an unworthy pursuit. It's not one I haven't heard before and frankly, I'm not here to challenge the notion because I already know that they're incorrect. Anyone that could possibly ever think that having a career and making money is more important then being there for your children, loving them and helping them to grow to their full potential is probably someone who has never found gratification from being a mother. To have never felt that kind of gratification is something I pity. For me, it has been my greatest joy.

Instead, I want to discuss something that's been on my mind lately, before the insensitive comment. The world vs. followers of Christ in regards to a what is a meaningful life.

The world will tell you that having things is more important. The more money, the more happiness. There is this idea that success can only come from your job title, what your colleagues think of you, how much of an education you have, and how much time you spend pursuing these goals.

But followers of Christ understand that life doesn't just end after your earthly life. What career you had and how much wealth you obtained will be unimportant. They're not things you will take with you to heaven. When the day comes that we are judged by Christ, these things will be irrelevant. But who we are striving to be and the righteous desire of your heart and actions, those are the things that will matter.

People who think money is happiness will only find bitter disappointment. There is a reason that those who are rich and famous still get in trouble with the law, go bankrupt, and do drugs. Because no amount of money will ever replace love and charity.

When Christ asked the Samaritan women to fetch Him water, He didn't care in the least that the woman was a Samaritan (for those who need some context, Samaritans were looked down upon by Jews--they seemed less worthy than Jews.) In fact, we learn that she was the first person the Lord acknowledged Himself to be the Christ to. Clearly, the importance of who you are in the world is less important than simply who you are, a child of God. 

When I get the opportunity to sit at Christ's feet, I sure hope that he will have found being a mother first and foremost as a worthy endeavor. In Matthew 19:14 it is said, "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Clearly, Christ himself understands the importance of children. As He says, heaven is essentially filled with children or people who are childlike in nature (not to be confused with childish).

When our daughter is older, I sure hope that she will have considered raising her to have been a pursuit worth while. At the very least, I hope that we will have conveyed the love we have for her and the desire of our hearts to see her become her best self. I know that if  one day she decides to be a stay at home mom, I will feel proud of her and her desire to sacrifice the things of the world and dedicate her life to serving others, and to serving those who matter most: her family.

I saw this a few days ago. It echos exacly how I feel about being a mother.

Now if you don't mind, I think I'll put on some T. Swift, do a little dancing with my baby girl, and "shake it off."