World Changer
We spend so much time in our early adult years trying to discover our purpose and how we might make a difference in our small corner of the world. We struggle, change directions, find ways to grow within our careers, develop partnerships and friendships. We strive to sort through our aspirations and how we can fully use our talents for betterment. Eventually, we have babies; we become mothers.
Over six years into this motherhood gig, to find myself sitting atop an axis. A little more than a year ago, I fell flat into the world of stay-at-home moms — a place I never thought I’d call home. For the first five years, I spent commuting and working outside the home, full-time. My identity was knit tightly into my career and professional growth. I loved what I did; it stretched my mind as I was continually learning. There was power involved in the position, and that felt good. Don’t get me wrong. I struggled with leaving my son each day. It was a seesaw of desire — craving to be home with my son, as well as the appetite to professionally grow and provide for our family. But through unforeseen circumstances, my hospital closed, and my career came to an abrupt halt. I went headfirst into the life of stay-at-home moms. I moved from businesswoman to the unending, unseen, and unsung position of legging-wearing-stay-at-home mama.
Motherhood in general is the hardest, most exhausting, and self-sacrificing thing I have ever done. I became the full-time: teacher (thank you covid), playmate, coach, memory keeper, chef, housekeeper, conflict resolver, chauffeur, laundry-doer, counselor, finance manager, activities director, and health care provider. Perhaps it’s the most underrated job on the entire planet. But what we have to remember is that we only have 18 years to raise our children before they go out into the world independently. No pressure, but as moms or parents, it is our responsibility (and joy) to raise them to be adults of character, compassion, and integrity.
As mothers, we are in the thick and thin of every day, in charge of training these little people. We worry that we are messing these little people up. On the verge of screaming in frustration, there have been so many times where I feel that I have no clue what I am supposed to do with these bewildering kids. But on the flip side, there is an immeasurable delight. The hugs, tickle fights, belly laughs, hearing my oldest call me “sweetie mom,” and even the headache-inducing joy of listening to off-key recorder music before my morning coffee. More often than not, I watch my two boys with eyes of wonder and gratitude. Motherhood has given importance to my life that I never could have expected. Through raising these boys, I have the honor and ability to change the world.
So to my fellow mamas in the trenches, amidst the piles of toys, dirty socks, and snacks — There is the catharsis of knowing there are other women out there like you. These children we are raising give importance to our lives. You are a world changer. And it is not a small task that you single-handedly have the responsibility of raising world changers for the future.
The most important of the Lord’s work that you will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own home. -- Harold B. Lee