Myths

Visiting my sister has been long overdue. It was good to see her. She looked good. Happy. Carrying this large book in her arms she plopped it on the seat next to me, "Look up your birthday. This book is amazing."
"What?" I replied. I stared at the image across it and knew within moments what was before me. It was an astrology book. For a brief period of my former life I did dabble in making astrological charts for people. Making those charts helped me realize how truly general and sensational astrology was. "No thanks, Sis" I responded handing her the book. I could read May 25th or September 17th and still find something that related to me.
"Sash," that's my family nickname, " Don't be such a dork. Just read it." So I flipped it over to my page. My sister grabbed the book and started reading on my behalf.
"This is so you," she said, "You love to write. You're creative. And independent?" I caught her pause, "Hmmm... well, maybe BEFORE you got married."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked. She didn't respond but I knew.
Homemakers aren't seen as independent, or strong, or self-sufficient, or anything other than some weak, mild mannered bread baking homely pilgrim farmers wife doting on her ungrateful husband and raising his brood of unintelligent, sarcastic kids.
Awhile ago, Todd Friel of Wretched radio brought a guest on his show: Suzanne Venker. She is the author of Seven Myths of Working Mothers. You can find her book here: http://suzannevenker.com/content/book.asp?id=Description
During the interview she spoke of the flawed viewpoint much of modern day society has on the role of the homemaker. One was that men have it all. "Why can't women have it all?" These people say. Ha. Like some thief came in and robbed us of all independence when we chose to stay home and raise our kids.
What I want to know is HOW do men have it all? Think about it. I honestly have the greatest job. I really do. I work for and with a house full of people who love me. My husband is a respected contributor of his company. However, if he screwed up on a marketing presentation he had to conduct in front of the president of said company I highly doubt his boss would squeeze his shoulder and tell him, "That's okay Buddy. Better luck next time."
My consequences are not as great solely because I am loved. "That's okay if you burned dinner mommy/ Honey. Sandwiches are a great second choice."
Also, men don't get to spend as much time with their children as women do. They are off working in the world, paying the bills, stressing over issues related to work then coming home and dealing with the issues presented there. I manage one team: my home. My husband manages two: his work team and his home team. Would I trade places with him? Would I give up the time I am given here with our children in order to push papers for someone who could fire and rehire me in seconds? Not a chance. Sorry, men don't have it all. Women do. And for that we need to pray for our husbands. One thing my husband yearns for is his time managed in a way that he can enjoy more time with us. I don't blame him. Life is great here.
But if anyone were to think for one minute I gave up myself, any part of myself, to take on this job, they are dead wrong.
If anything, with God's help, it has only grown me in ways I never thought imaginable.