Is it okay not to desire to have a career?
I've always wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. I always played with baby dolls growing up. I've felt the presence of my unborn children during those really crucial moments in my life. When I first got my patriarchal blessing my favorite part was when it talked about the children I would bear in this lifetime, on this earth, and the things that I should teach them and do for them.
My major in college was not only something I was passionate about, it was teaching me how I could be a better mother both in theory and in practice. I have a Bachelor of Science in Home and Family Living. It is the science of families, how they are made up and how to run a home.
But since leaving school and heading out into "the real world" I feel so much pressure to have a career. Especially living here in D.C. The questions that are asked when I meet new people have switched from "so what's your major?" to "what are you doing here in D.C."? Meaning, what career do you have. It's kind of gone from what do you want to be when you grow up to what are you doing now as a grown up.
I know so many people who want to be a wonderful mother and also to have a career and I think that is wonderful. But I really want my career to be being a mother and staying home with my children. I feel a little guilty, a little judged, or that people think I am way too old-fashioned and not "with it".
A few weeks ago a new patient came in and I had the lady fill out a form with all her information. We have a line on the form asking where they work and what their occupation is. As I was putting her information in the computer I saw on her chart written next to "occupation" it said Mother. Not homemaker, not "stay-at-home-mom". Simply Mother. That simple declaration written on someone's medical chart, shot straight to my heart. Mother.
That's what I want to do too.
I do know that there are many great things that I will accomplish in this lifetime and there are many people who's lives I can better. There is a life mission I have that is completely unique to who I am. I know I will be a great leader and a teacher and a mighty worker with youth. These are all things that my patriarchal blessing tells me. I know I will do things to make this world a little bit better. I just don't know that they will necessarily be big things. But it is by small and simple things that much good is brought forth. It is the small things that people have done for me that I remember and cherish the most.
What do I want to be when I grow up? A professional mother!
Finding beauty in myself and others.
2 comments:
I was thinking about this very thing this morning, and in fact for a long time now. I work right now, and it's looking like I'm going to be working for awhile and I need to make some choices that will help me find a career I can love. But I'd really rather have a family and stay home. I know what you mean about feeling judged. I read an article this morning that was going on and on about how our country is suffering because the intelligence of half the population is not being fully utilized in the workplace, but I can't see how using your intelligence to contribute in the home, and ultimately contribute to the future leaders and innovators of the next generation is any less worthy. We've become sadly too commercialized in this society.
Your patriarchal blessing has exciting things in store! "Mother" is the most noble and eternally impactful role a woman can plan, so shed the guilt and embrace your desires! I can't wait to be a Mom also :)
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