from the mouth of babes

Over a year ago when Wyatt was 6 and Waylan was 5 I had a conversation with them that helped to reinforce an important truth that I periodically struggle with. I've thought a lot about it this week, and so tonight I decided to record it for posterity's sake (and anyone who cares to read my blog!)

One morning I was carrying my sweet new couple of week old baby from the bath into his nursery to dress him with the entourage of other children in tow. As I was lotioning him and cooing to him, Wyatt stated, "I know why mom's stay home and dad's go to work." I was intrigued and replied, "Why's that?" In his six year old observation he said, "Well it is really hard to go to work, and you know, maybe moms just couldn't do it like dad because they are strong."

Yes, he really said that. I took a deep breath reminded myself that he was just an ignorant 6 year old and I shouldn't get upset. But did he know who he was talking to? "hard work?" "strong?" I took a moment to try to formulate an answer that was not offended or guarded, but honestly I was having trouble coming up with what to say. I'll admit it . My pride was wounded, and he had hit my number one sore spot, my Achilles heel! Don't get me wrong. I love being a mother. I really do. I value it; I treasure it, but truth be know sometimes I want more. I want a pay check; I want personal accomplishments and the applause to go with it; I want respect, and well, I want to be important. With all of this swirling through my head, I still couldn't find the right words to explain to my son that although I was "capable" of handling a "job", his father and I had decided that I would work in the home while he worked outside of the home.

My barely five year old son came to my rescue. He had been rocking in the rocking chair and came to an abrupt halt, leaned forward, and vehemently declared, "no, Wyatt you're wrong! That's not why! Daddies don't stay home because they don't have boobies to feed the baby!" He then settled back in the chair with his arms folded and started to rock. He knew he had just won the argument; there was nothing more to say.

Wyatt and I stood for a moment staring at Waylan, and then I broke out laughing. It was simply so obvious! I couldn't have stated it more eloquently myself. (I did take a few moments and try to reinforce the different responsibilities of men and women.)

I am so grateful for "The Family: A proclaimation to the world" That helps me remember that God has an individual plan for every one of us. The roles of men and women are different, but equally important.

Somtimes I loose perspective. Sometimes I make things more difficult than they need to be. Sometimes I just need to remember the obvious. . . ."men don't have boobies!"