Recently, my Mom sent me a link to an article that was originally published in Good Housekeeping 50 years ago. It was considered revolutionary during that time. But, I think it is interesting enough to think about 50 years later as well. It voices the feelings that women struggle with as stay at home moms. It talks about the struggle behind wanting to do more than “just” be a Mom, wife, and housekeeper.
Do we struggle with this as LDS women too? I think the answer is YES! We know in the church that it is a beautiful and wonderful thing to be a Mother. That it is a righteous calling from our Heavenly Father to be able to raise some of his choice spirits on this earth. I believe that. However, when we are in the day to day, it is a struggle to remember the spiritual meaning behind Motherhood when we are busy cleaning up, disciplining, changing diapers, and molding little people.
Sometimes, it is easy to think, “Is this all I was meant to do in this life? Cook, clean, try to keep my children from killing each other?” We have the desire to go out and do more, feel more, and feed our inner desire to fulfill that potential.
I believe it is a balancing act. I believe that Heavenly Father does want us to reach our full individual potential, as well as be great Mothers. However, when you have small children still at home, it is hard to accomplish much else other than survival some days!
I don’t have all the answers. I struggle with these same issues myself. I often think there is so much more to me than “just” being a mom, wife, and housekeeper, and no one sees it! However, we can find the answers to how to balance all of these feelings through prayer. Heavenly Father knows the desires of our hearts as mothers. He knows the sacrifice we put in day in and day out to raise his children, and give up our own desires to have careers, write a book, do service for others, or be the first female president! Whatever it is that you desire to do, or be, Heavenly Father knows your heart.
Are Mormon stay at home moms happier than the average stay at home Mom? I’m not sure. But, we do have the knowledge at least that it is a righteous calling to do what we do. Even if by the world’s standards, it is not that glamorous.