Heart of the Homemaker: Disney

I discovered Disney's blog, Ruffles And Stuff, a few years ago when I inadvertently stumbled upon one of her craft tutorials during my lunch break at work.  It was love at first sight, and I happily spent my lunch breaks from then on scouring her blog for fun ideas and gleaning peace and comfort from her encouraging posts.  As I prepared to host this series, I decided to "shoot for the moon" and send an email to Disney, asking her if she would be willing to guest post.  I nearly fell off my seat when I received a reply within an hour saying that she would be happy to write for me!  Thank you, Disney, for taking time out of your beautifully busy life to share your heart with us today!

This post was so much more difficult to write than I thought it would be. "Write about homemaking? Sure! Piece of cake. After all, I live it!" But there are so many different aspects of homemaking that I really had no idea where to start. As I was sharing these thoughts with my husband, he asked "Well, what is your favorite thing about being a homemaker?". Ah. Hands down, it's being able to be at home with my daughter. 

Don't misunderstand me-being with my daughter all day is by no means the most enjoyable part of being a homemaker (that would probably be not leaving for work at 6am), but it is definitely my favorite. Let me explain...

(And so begins the longest post in history.)

My husband and I decided before we got married that if we ever had children, we would do everything we could to make it possible for me to stay home with them. So, when I was five months pregnant with our daughter, Paige, I quit my job and for the first time in my adult life I was unemployed and at home. The next three or four months were pretty great (although a little boring at times); I felt free as a bird! What a great life this was going to be. 

At this point most of you can guess where my story is going. The moment my daughter was born, "free as a bird" flew out the window. Almost since her first moments of life, that sweet angel was the queen of high-maintenance. From refusing to sleep to refusing to be alone, from refusing to latch properly to refusing bottles; she wanted me to know that I was at her beckon-call at all times.  By now, (four years old) she's a little more pleasant to be around, but her strong will and bossy--ahem--"leadership oriented" attitude makes her a full-time job and a half. Just today, as I was trying to think of ways to include Paige in the household chores, I asked her: "Paige, what would you like to be in charge of?". She paused for a moment, then looked at me and replied: "Everyone." That's my daughter! She is bold and strong, and so smart. I fully believe that God has plans for her to do something incredible for Him someday, but the idea of it being my job to prepare her for it, frankly, makes me want to pee my pants. I still don't even know how to guide my own life, let alone hers! 

I said all that to say: being at home with kids all day is hard and scary, by far the biggest challenge I've ever faced. But it is my favorite part of being a homemaker because I know that of all the things I could do in this world, raising this girl will make the most difference. My big chance in life isn't to have a successful craft blog or to write books or do seminars; Paige is my big chance. She's my life's work, my greatest opportunity. And any earthly thing I need to give up in order to help God mold her and shape her is my pleasure.

When I reflect on my feelings for Paige, I can't help but think of God's feelings for us. What silly, stubborn little people we are. :O) And yet He would, and indeed did, give up anything to train us, mold us and perfect us. How His heart must break when some of His children grow up and move away from Him, never coming back. I pray that we never become those children. 

I also think of what a wonderful example of a perfect parent we have in our heavenly Father. Whenever I have doubts of the specifics of my job, I think of God's wise, patient, firm and loving ways and it puts things into perspective. I'll never be a perfect mom, but using God's standards certainly points me closer to that goal. I wish I had more specific tips for you all, but I'm still quite in the learning process myself. All I can say is: study God's love, and pass it on to your family.

And on that note, I think I'll end my ramblings, go kiss my sleeping princess, and thank God that I've had another day with her. :O)

God bless you, homemaking friends! And good luck :O)

Love,

Disney