Photo by Steve Snodgrass

By Joy Wong

“Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 NRSV

I recently stumbled upon a piece of literature encouraging stay-at-home moms. It helped me make meaning out of this season of full-time parenting. It shed light on the blessings and opportunities that come with parenting, and the value of spending this time with my kids. Not only did I feel encouraged, but I felt privileged to be at home with the kids, and a renewed sense of purpose and worth in myself and in my “work” at home.

However, reading further along, I began to realize that this particular author had an extremely traditional view of women and work; essentially, she was saying that if you are a woman with children, you should be a stay-at-home mom. It became more and more uncomfortable to read, especially as I was a latch-key kid with a mom who worked full-time, and I am friends with many women who choose to work and be a mom (with each woman making their own choices as to what works and is best for their family).

I am thankful that I was able to read something that radically changed the way I view this season of my life. Even my husband says I seem happier lately, and I am! I am more able to appreciate my life and my kids. But I’m sad that, at least in this case, affirming the worth of stay-at-home moms had to be at the expense of moms who make other choices about work and parenting in their own lives. Why does it have to be one or the other?

Regardless, though, I am grateful — grateful to be better able to enjoy my work as a full-time parent. I consider my ability to find joy as a gift from God, and hope to continue enjoying this work until my next Kingdom assignment comes.

Joy Wong has an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, a BA in English from Princeton University, as well as four years’ experience in industrial distribution management.  She is a contributing author to Mirrored Reflections: Reframing Biblical Characters, published in September 2010.