Many years ago, John & I had moved to a new city in a different state, and I didn't have a job yet. I spontaneously drove 45 miles away to have lunch with my husband. Sadly, this was before cell phones and I had no idea that he wasn't able to have lunch with me that day. Disappointed, I stopped at Burger King because I was very hungry. Unfortunately, I had left my money at home, had no bank account yet (i.e.; no debit card) and we had no credit card. So I had to go home (the place I didn't want to be to begin with) - 45 miles away - hungry, lonely, and disappointed.
Following another move and similar situation, I also drove from south San Jose to Palo Alto (yeah, Bay Area traffic) to have lunch with my cousin. All in the name of getting out of my home. The home where I should've been unpacking and putting things away and getting settled.
That was also the reason I thought I could never be a stay-at-home mom. I'd lose my mind if I spent that much time at home! Our running joke was that John would stay home if we ever had kids and I would be the one to work. Besides, he's a better housekeeper than me.
But God has a sense of humor, doesn't He? Oh, initially when I quit my paying job to stay home with the boys, I still had to get out fairly often. But little by little, there was a transformation. He not only changed my heart, but these days, I've swung to the other end of spectrum. Sometimes I don't want to leave for any reason.
- Not to get milk, even though we need it
- Not to see my family and friends, even though I love them
- Not to go to church, even though I know I'll be fed and encouraged
But I do. I leave home for awhile. And it's usually okay. But if I've been gone too much, I need to have some extended time at home again. To rejuvenate and refuel. Who'd have thought it? Certainly not me.What about you? Do you like to be home? Do you hanker to get out of the house? Or something in between?
5 comments:
I am a BIG TIME homebody. I can actually get grumpy if I have to be out for too many things. Isn't it awesome how God can change us?!
Blessings!
Deborah
Certainly gave me food for thought.
I was a stay at home mom for 13 years with my boys. But 6 years ago - my husband lost his job and we switched roles - I had to go back to work.
When I stayed at home - I longed for dinner out - or shopping or anything just to get me out of the house after being home (we lived far from any family and had few friends as we had just moved there.
Now I work full time and I wish I could stay home all the time. So much I could get done that now goes undone - because I am not home.
I guess the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence for me
I love being home--if I could get somebody to do my shopping I'd be happy as a lark :)
I can SO relate to this post. I quit my job last year and have never regretted it. The quiet of my home and the peace I have come to appreciate is more important than any money in the bank.
Home IS where your heart is. I am 55 years old with six grandchildren and it is such a blessing to be 'grandma' at a phones calls notice. This year has been a year of changes~Good ones. God has lead me into a peaceful place and it is awesome.
I really like being home. However, I do like spending time with my family. Your Dad's the one who is always wanting to go see someone (as I'm sure you know).
I've been putting off the trip to King Soopers all week, telling myself I really don't need butter or eggs TODAY. We're now down to one egg, so guess I'll have to go soon!
BTW - love the picture of your living room.
Love,
mom
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