What do you do?
When you meet new people, they always ask you, "What do you do?"
What do I do?
Thankfully, I can say that I teach a World Religions class at a University. That sounds really good and then they don't ask any more questions.
But, I only teach that once in a while - so - What do I do?
I'm always wildly busy. Doing what?
I will soon have 9 grandchildren 4 and under and I'm determined to have a spectacular relationship with each one. Does that count?
I visit and oversee the care of my father each day. I buy bananas, talk to nurses, pay his bills and govern his accounts. Does that count?
And, we own a house. Two houses. Someone is supposed to clean and decorate and weed those. Does that count?
I'm also trying to record my ancestors data. Really, we have more ancestors than most people. It's disgusting - and, completely overwhelming.
Right now I have 5-6 church callings. Does that count?
Plus, I'm a wife. That really should be at the top of the list. But I don't feed my husband, so I can't count that much. But I do fold his clothes. And once in a while we have fun togther.
And once in a while I wildly induge in painting something, or thinking of other ways to create.
And there is the time I waste on the internet reading crazy things my friends send to me that I seldom pass on. That probably doesn't count.
And the news. I watch that in the kitchen. But lately it's been so intense that I hang around in the kitchen too much. I'm learning.
Then there is the exercising I'm supposed to be doing so that I don't completely fall apart before I'm 60. Ouch!
That's about it. Good thing I don't often have to explain what I do. I usually just say, "What DO I do?" when asked what else I do beside teach.
Life was so simple when it was OK to still be a homemaker after your kids moved out.
posted by Mom and Dad at 4:49 PM
3 Comments:
I think you can say that you are still a homemaker. There is no shame in that. Those that do feel like it is shameful should reevaluate THEIR OWN lives. What are the most important things in their lives? Are they doing what makes them happy? Well that is another story...
One thing you could say (because homemaker doesn't totally sum up everything you do) is say that you serve people full time through several different organizations.
If someone pushed you further on it you could break it down in so many fascinating ways - explain by building, age, population, everyday vs. weekly, etc.
Anyway, I think what you do is intricately valid and great. Everything you do influences and effects, for the better, more than the one person you intend to serve. Thank you for all the service you do for all of these people, it means a lot to me (not only the specific services, but also your example). I am grateful that you care about others.
My response to the question put to you (and everyone else) is that you do "LOTS" - and, what's more, what you do is "PLENTY GOOD" too! You & Jon figure significantly in the story of our lives.
Mom, the fact that some people may not think highly of the role of a homemaker is an indictment of our current culture, not you. Our culture worships values such as indulgence, lack of restraints, self-gratification, and "authenticity," which basically means doing whatever you want (so long as it is not something unpopular, like being a homemaker). I agree with Anna - the sorts of concerns that many people build their lives around are no more valuable than your concerns, even if contemporary society smiles more approvingly on them. What you do is often more important than what they do.
Post a Comment
<< Home