For most of our married lives, I’ve been a part-time working or working-from-home wife and mom. We have made many sacrifices because of that decision but looking back, I wouldn’t change it even if I could do it all over again. Most of the responsibilities rested on my shoulders that went along with home, yard and kids for which I was open and willing to do so.
Recently, though, I was asked to cover for a lengthy holiday time that a fellow co-worker was taking so I agreed to work her shift as well. The night before I started my first week of full-time work, I felt “off.” The only thing I could chalk it up to was a feeling of grieving. That feeling caught me off guard. In all my years of being a mom, I’ve never had to consider taking on a full-time position.Somehow, by the grace of God, we’ve made it through all those years yet here I am facing a few weeks of full-time position, pushing me beyond what I’ve known.
I felt as though I was grieving what I would miss by not being at home. It was a good reminder for me to be grateful for all those moments, days and years I’ve had the privilege of being at home to raise our sweet peas. It’s also a good reminder that all those sacrifices both Hubby and I have made to make this thing called “marriage” and “family” work have been worth it.
Keeping in mind with the Valentine’s Day theme I’ve been on lately, my thoughts go to what true love really is. True love is sacrifice. True love is putting others’ needs before our own needs. True love is listening. Hugging. Smiling. Cleaning up messes. Wiping noses (and the opposite end). True love is working hard. Playing hard. It is being kind when we haven’t been talked to kindly. It is turning the other cheek and blessing our partner or child. True love has boundaries and at times, has to be tough. It is spending time together. True love is showing respect. It is cherishing and valuing one another.
True love “...is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Love never stops loving.” (1 Cor. 13:4-8a TPT)
We were created for relationship. Each of us has a desire to belong. Look around at all the clubs and groups, social media connections, sports teams and even gangs... everyone wants to belong to someone or something.
There’s a story of a man named Christopher McCandless who turned his back on society and lived in the Alaskan wilderness to escape people. Interestingly, he discovered that he missed those very same people; realizing happiness was meant to be shared. We are made to share our lives with others, even if we don’t think we need them.
Despite the ups and downs of married life, I can confidently say it feels good to grow “older” together.
Dear ones, may your love never stop loving because love never fails.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
