When Being a Stay at Home Mom Doesn’t Seem Like Enough

Last Updated on October 21, 2020 by Stacy Averette

There are times as a stay at home mom when I think: “What I’m doing isn’t enough”. Mothering and homemaking is hard work that can be all-consuming and very gratifying; but a quick scroll on social media or a stroll through the mall can leave our soul wondering.

For many years, I was in full-time ministry. Each day I was either planning, implementing, or evaluating. I thought about work when I woke up in the morning (or the middle of the night), I talked about work at meal times, and I went to bed thinking about work. Lives were being changed and I loved every minute of it.

I could not imagine not doing what I had been doing for so long.

I found great joy in the meetings, the planning, the preparation, and even the cleanup.

But there were those days when I wondered–questioned? What should I do now? Next week? Next month? Next year? So much was changing around me.

Then through a series of events and people God touched my wondering heart and very clearly showed me the way that I should go. That way was home.

I was shocked. Nervous. I loved home and my family but I had assumed–planned on–another way. Financially and professionally it didn’t make sense.

In spite of the fact that I couldn’t figure it out we had peace. Not everyone understood our decision. We chose to trust Him anyway.

For the last 17+ years I’ve been a full-time homemaker. I’ve loved every minute of it.

I can not imagine not doing what I’ve been doing for so long.

I find great joy in folding laundry, cooking, hanging out with my family, working alongside my husband in his business, and even vacuuming.

But there have been days when I’ve wondered . . . questioned? What should I do now? Next week? Next month? Next year? So much is changing around me.

Is this work I’m doing enough?

I have friends who rescue orphans, plant churches, and build schools in third world countries. Should I be doing that?

Then I read Mark 5:1-20 where Jesus heals the demon-possessed man and sends the demons into a herd of swine. As Jesus was getting into the boat to leave, the man who had been healed begs to go with him. Jesus tells the man:

Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.  And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

I know those words are for me today. “Stay home with your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.”

One afternoon I was in the car with one of the girls. She made an observation about her dad and was asking my thoughts. She knows how much I love and respect him, but she also knows my personality (and his) and how I’m prone to react in certain situations.

Thankfully, I had been working through Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. Beth Moore’s teaching about patience had impacted the way I had reacted to Eric in a particular situation. I was able to testify to my daughter about the Spirit’s teaching and work in my life and how it had affected my interaction and our relationship. As our conversation ended, I sensed the Spirit’s confirmation, “That’s it. That’s what I want you to do. Report to them the great things I have done for you.”

Dear stay-at-home mom, wondering if staying at home is enough–for you–for them–for Him: Please allow me to encourage you right now. You have the opportunity daily to report to them–your children and your husband–the great things God has done and is doing for you. Report it at the breakfast table, at the playground, at the library, on the field trip, and in the grocery store. Proclaim His goodness and mercy right now, right where you are and watch them be amazed. God is doing great things in and through you.

Sometimes God says “Go” and sometimes He says “Stay”.

There may be many voices trying to tell you what you should do. The only one you should always listen to is the voice of God spoken through His Word and confirmed by the Spirit.

What hard questions are you asking these days?

God is listening, sweet friend.

I’m listening, too, if you want to share.

If you know a mom who could use some encouragement today would you please share this?