How I Became a Happy Homemaker
How I became a happy homemaker, my journey from resentment to peace.
Becoming a happy homemaker was not a life that I had ever envisioned for myself. Especially not when I had just embarked on a new teaching adventure in 2019. However, life took unexpected turns, including the loss of a pregnancy and the arrival of a global pandemic.
These circumstances led me to reevaluate my priorities and make the decision to prioritize my well-being and family.
Initially filled with anger and resentment, I sought solace in a scripture that transformed my perspective.
Now, as I embrace the role of a stay-at-home wife and mother, I find joy in serving my loved ones. I understand that by doing so I am also serving Christ.
My Life, Struggles, and Hope
In the summer of 2019 I was looking forward to beginning a new adventure as a math teacher. I had just accepted a job at a brand new school in my school district.
After much prayer and contemplation I had decided to leave my previous job. It was a truly wonderful school where I was very comfortable and happy for the past several years.
I set out to try something new and different. Hoping to set my family up for a better future. I also wanted to set myself up for more long term employment.
I had Just settled into my new classroom and began to meet my new coworkers. Then I surprisingly learned that our attempts to try for a second baby were successful. I was in fact pregnant.
There was so much excitement surrounding that time in my life. I had a new job and a new baby on the way. It felt like a chance at a new beginning.
Then just as suddenly as everything seemed to change for the better I found out that the pregnancy was not viable.
The timing could not have been worse as the news came just days before the first day of school. I did my best to adjust and move forward. Ultimately I decided that it was best for me to take the time I needed to mourn and heal.
While out on long term disability the world was abruptly introduced to COVID-19 and everything changed in an instant.
With everything that was going on at the time in the schools my husband and I decided that it was best for me to stop working. I dedicated my attention to focusing on my health and well-being.
So just like that, I became a stay-at-home wife and mom.
I give that detailed background story so that it will perhaps be a bit easier to understand why I felt so angry and resentful.
While not only mourning the loss of our baby I came to realize that I was also mourning the loss of my career as a teacher. Teaching was a career that I truly loved and enjoyed.
After months of agonizing frustration and sadness I finally cried out to God and asked for help. I desperately needed to release the depression. If for no other reason than to worry less and sleep peacefully.
I wanted to enjoy the rare opportunity I had to be free and live a soft life. My prayers were focused on becoming a happy homemaker.
When I expressed this desire to God He revealed the following scripture to me. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
I read that scripture repeatedly until I came to an understanding of it for myself. I knew that I could no longer hold on to the anger and resentment I had been feeling.
Instead I chose to view my new normal as a blessing. I worked just as hard at being a wife and mother as I had worked for so long as a teacher.
Today, I’m at a place in my life where I am truly happy. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my husband and my children. I’m finally able to understand that in serving my family I am also serving Christ. Therefore, I do so with a heart full of joy and gratitude.
In the face of unforeseen challenges, I have discovered the profound fulfillment of being a happy homemaker.
It definitely took time and a shift in mindset. Eventually I was able to recognize the value of my role as a wife, mother, and manager of my home. My acceptance of this role has brought me contentment and a sense of purpose.
Although my journey deviated from my initial plans, I now recognize that my service to my family is a form of serving God.
I am continuing to embrace the opportunities and blessings that come from being a wife and mother. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the newfound happiness that has blossomed within me.
For insights and strategies on becoming a happy homemaker, keep following my story at momwifeworshiplife.com.
