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Monday, October 5, 2009

Promoted by God

I am writing to share a difficult decision that we just made: I will not be continuing with my practicum and student teaching. It is hard to explain exactly why, but we have put a lot of thought and, most of all, prayer into our decision.

We highly value me being a stay-at-home mom. We will make whatever sacrifice we need to live on one income so that I can stay home with John. We believe that having a parent at home full time is the best gift we can give to John and any future children.

Also, right now our priorities are to get out of debt and save money to buy a house. With the possibility of me teaching in the future being such a huge variable, we would rather put our money to things that we know we will need.

It is likely that I will be able to walk away with a bachelor's degree in Education because I have all of my course work done, which would be great! Either way, I do not regret all the hard work I put into teaching at Star of the Sea and my teaching program. The last two years have been a great experience and I know it has given me tools to be a better mother.

Now that we have made this decision, I feel a lot of peace in my heart. I chime in with Susan, a caller who recently proclaimed on the Rush Limbaugh show, "I was promoted by God to be a mother!" I can't find the words to express how much I love every minute of being John's mother (yes, even at 2am...)! I gladly accept this promotion! =)

The hardest part of this decision is thinking that people are going to be disappointed in me for not finishing. But as my friend, Caitlin, told me today, God won't be disappointing in me for choosing to be at home to raise John. In fact, I think He is pleased.

Disclaimer: I must note that by writing this, I do not mean to condemn mothers who choose to work. I know that everyone needs to do what is best for their family.

7 comments:

  1. I think you made the right decision linds...sometimes i feel the same way when people ask me if I plan on getting my own classroom soon. I have to tell them the truth. My vocation to be a mommy comes first. I love teaching and would love to do it someday, but not until I am done raising my children. You should be delighted with your decision...you are an amazing mom and I am so glad to have you as an example in my life. Love you!

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  2. I am proud of your decision and the way you made it!

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  3. I'm so happy for you and your family! Thank you for being a great example of a mother and wife :)
    Corina

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  4. How wonderful that you have accepted your vocation with a full and peaceful heart. When we married, it was decided I would not work outside the home and twenty three years later, I have not regretted one minute of that decision.

    There were days..weeks?...that staying home was not easy and the grass looked greener on the other side of the driveway, but seeing how our sons are this day and my desire to be the best mom I could be, I am so very grateful that I was able to stay home.

    Yes, money was tight, yes it was hard, but out of that, God has blessed us mightily and I know He will bless you as well.

    My BA in elementary and special education was not wasted - nor were the several years that I taught - they were all life experiences that helped me to grow and benefit my vocation as a full time wife and mother.

    May God continue to bless you and your family as you travel in His Will.

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  5. So happy for you and your decision, it is amazing to me when we have these difficult ones to make with our family how immediate the peace comes....shows that we are confident in it and that is what is most important. I remember when we made the decision for me to leave PT Graduate School....after so long working to get into a good program and starting...but in the end the amount of debt we would hav accrued for a career we knew I woulndt be using when we had children (lord willing) was just not worth it. I was so worried I would be looked at as a failure or disappointment...and sometimes truthfully felt that way myself as someone who had always finished what she started. But, (almost) three children later and the ability to stay at home and TEACH my children has been the biggest blessing and gift and HARDEST job of all. SO good luck, prayers and know that I am always HOME too if you ever want to get together!!!!

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  6. I'm proud of you, Linds. You provide such a fantastic example of how married women should live their vocation: focused on God's will in your life and your family's well being!

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  7. Lindsey-

    Hi, I just wanted to say a couple things- first of all, I'm so happy for you that you have thoughtfully and prayerfully come to a decision that you and your family feel at peace about and that God has and will continue to make it possible for you.

    Second of all, thank you for the note that you respect that not all families can or even should make the same decision- all situations are different and God's answer for all families is not the same- it's great that you acknowledge that.

    Finally, I was thinking the other day about how much my life and perspective has changed since losing Angelica, our first daughter, and subsequently struggling so much to get pregnant again... I find it so hard to hear parents complain about their kids because it just seems they don't appreciate what a miracle they are. I thought of you and your blog and the fact that I can't think of any time you have ever complained about being a mother - you already have the appreciation it took me going through something so hard to gain. I really admire you for that. I think it's easy to take children for granted and you just don't seem to struggle with that- you really understand children are a blessing and I'm glad God has given you John.

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