On Being a Mother and Staying Home

About a month ago, a friend asked me if I ever wanted to work again someday.  

She asked me if I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom.  

I immediately answered yes. I love staying home with my two adorable children.  

But then I started thinking about it.  Quite a lot actually.

Even though it was always my plan, I wondered if I ever took advantage of that plan.

For me, it is both a choice and a blessing.  And I understand that it may not be the same for others.

There are days when I'm busy with church stuff, phone calls, bill paying, cleaning or other mundane tasks. 

Those are the days when I let the television babysit Kathryn.  Or, I let her babysit herself.

There are days when I spend too much time doing busy work.  Things that don't matter much in the end.

There are times when I go to bed at night with regrets.
I regret not doing the more important things with my day that really matter.  

The things that build our family eternally.  Did I read to Kathryn enough?  Did I rock Maxwell enough?  

Did I play with them enough?  Did I teach them enough?

My little Kathryn will be heading off to school in a few years.  And lately, I've felt this urgency. 

I have limited time when she will be completely under my influence.  

I have limited time to teach her the most important things.  

To show her how much I love her.  To make sure she knows I am here for her.  

To comfort and protect her.  To provide her with a safe haven that she can come home to.

So yes, I love staying home with my children.
But more importantly, I consider motherhood a great privilege. 

And I hope to take full advantage of this opportunity and precious gift.
Because I know it will go by all too fast.  And I don't want to live with regrets.