As I was leaving my Bible Study today, I was asked the following question…
“So, are you still a prisoner in your own home?”
I responded politely with “Um, no….I get out.”
I understand what she meant, but, really, my first thought was, “HUH??? Are you serious?”
I do not consider myself a prisoner at home. Not at all.
Websters defines a prisoner as this:
A person under arrest, or in custody, whether in prison or not; a person held in involuntary restraint; a captive; as, a prisoner at the bar of a court. –Bouvier.
Often times, I choose to stay home rather than go out. But it is a choice.
I am not being held in involuntary restraint, nor am I a captive.
It is often a choice based on the needs of my children. I have chosen to be a mom, therefore, I am also choosing to make their needs a priority.
If an outing is going to cause us to be gone during nap time, guess what?? I make a choice not to go.
If an outing is going to cause us to be gone later than bedtime, guess what?? I make a choice not to go.
If an outing is going to leave me more stressed as a result of going, guess what?? I make a choice not to go.
Our family has chosen to be different from our culture, yes, even church culture, in living life more simply.
We have purposefully chosen not to overextend ourselves with activities. Yes, even good, churchy activities.
These choices have not made me a prisoner.
They have made me free.
Free to enjoy my home, my family, and the wonderful life that God has given to me.
So, what about you? Do you ever consider yourself to be a prisoner at home? Or are you content with your choices to stay home? Do you struggle to find a balance with overextending yourself and living simply?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
We are trying to “water down” our schedules. We need more time at home with the kids and they desperately need this. Great post! Melissa
I actually love staying at home. I am at home most days. It saves money and my sanity too.
Good for you! Personally, I think we over schedule ourselves and our children…it is nice to hear that you are staying home and enjoying it!
Its all about perspective. Mine is a bit different, as a working mom. I love to be home. I feel like a hermit! My kids and I have such hectic schedules that we need the healing time in our home. My husband often encourages me to go out with friends in the evenings to have Stacy Time, but I would much rather spend my Stacy Time in my favorite yard sale chair in my living room in my home with a book.
I guess it is different for me. Most women have those choices. I on the other hand do not. I don’t drive so there outings are limited to when hubby is here. I also only have one close friend in the area….It’s not that I choose to not get my licesne and it’s not that we can’t afford another car because we have two. it’s that I can’t see enough to qualify for my driver’s license…So that being said. I love to be with my kids I love being at home but those of you who have the choice to go or not to go have it a lot easier! So I guess That I tend to feel more like a prisoner than most but I have a great husband who understands….
oh yeah and it’s definitely worse in the winter!
I am a home body myself. We do things, we have outings or playdates, but I do not like to have something every day of the week. It stresses me out. I like time to just snuggle and play and let the kids play. And I can’t keep up on the house if I am not in it.
I do share and love your perspective. I wish I had learned that while my children were still young. You go for it!
Good for you! I find myself having cycles where I like to get out, and others where home is best. I try to balance it so I don’t have somewhere to go everyday. It is getting harder to do as school and other activities demand more time.
****AMEN****
Being a Mommy is the greatest gift in the world and one with many responsibilities. I think sometimes when we do too many things, even as you said churchy aka good things, we exhaust our children, bringing out sleepy grouchy behavior AND we lose that precious close time of teachable moments.
Again you are an amazing mother and I feel as though I have found SUCH a KINDRED SPIRIT here in this blog.
Cassidy
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