I’m not a contributing member of society.

It’s what I felt after the initial excitement over starting a family, staying home and embarking on this new journey wore off.

I was pregnant with our first son and had “morning sickness” all three trimesters. With little energy, I was in bed most of the time. I couldn’t contribute much to our home.

I felt like a failure. Even though my body was doing something miraculous by growing a complete human! Even though I was sustaining a tiny life! I felt like a failure.

Fast forward. My oldest was one and we were swimming at an indoor pool with a splash pad. The absolute joy on his face as he watched the buckets of water fill then splash over and over was priceless.

I took out my phone, snapped this pic and prepared to post it on social media. I wanted my friends and family to share in the joy of that moment.

As I prepared to press post, a thought came to me. “No one cares because they are busy actually contributing to society, while you frolic in the pool.”

I put my phone down as a flood of guilt and shame washed over me. I was wasting my education, talents and gifts to play in the water with a one year old.

But was I? I looked at his little face. No, nothing was being wasted.

Sweet mama, you are a gift to your family. Do not belittle your value. Do not listen to anyone who minimizes your worth. Your contribution is not limited by society’s standards. What you are imparting in your children’s lives is eternal!

Bake the brownies, splash in the sprinkler and dig in the dirt. Society may not thank you, but your child will!

#happyhomemakerchronicles