What Are You Doing with Yourself These Days?

I was asked that this morning, by a woman who was quite sincere in her question. I couldn't believe the words that came out of my mouth - Oh, I'm working online. It's a lot of fun. She seemed really happy for me, asked about the work, and left quite satisfied. I, on the other hand, felt terrible.

Did I lie? No. I do work a few hours per week online, but that's not my main vocation. Still, I didn't answer the way I should have. What I really "do with myself these days" (and all days!) is take care of my family and our home. Granted, I'm not best at housekeeping and my cooking wouldn't win any Pillsbury Bake Offs, but I work at it. So, why did I answer this woman by telling her about an online job? Because it seemed more important, more glamorous, more worthwhile than being a wife, mom, and homemaker? How sad! Sad because I felt she would look negatively on my "real" answer...and sad that I felt the need to answer that way.

As a result of this encounter, in the future, I'm going to make a conscious effort to explain my vocation to people who ask. In our present culture, I'm a mastadon of sorts, but I'm happy to be one. My family is the most important vocation God has given me, and I am thankful that I'm able to be home caring for them. Think I'll head to the kitchen now and bake some cookies!

Cristiana