On Roles

Over on the right side of my blog, I have a list of words that describe me- wife, daughter sister, etc. Which is the most important? It's impossible to choose. I inhabit each role all the time- because I am a wife does not mean I cease to be a daughter (happy birthday, Dad!) Because I am a gardener does not prevent me from also being a software engineer, though I cannot both dig in the dirt and program a computer at the same time. Other roles are less something I do and more someone I am- I am a Jesus follower in all of my roles. I am a deep thinker regardless what I'm doing.

Any role individually doesn't define me- together, though, they are who I am.

Inhabiting so many disparate roles isn't uncommon- everyone is a child, many are a sibling and a spouse, as well. Most have an occupation they get paid to do as well as an avocation they do in their free time. Being so many things- balancing these roles- isn't always easy. Doing or being one often precludes doing or being another, or at least takes away time from another.

So who am I? Where do I fit? Recently, I think I've found a good group- A new blog is starting up today called Homemakers Who Work. I'm excited to be a contributor to the blog- My introduction will post tomorrow, and I'll have a post on the blog every couple of weeks. My blogging-friend Kathie got this fabulous group together, and I'm looking forward to learning from women further along than I am.

Why 'Homemaker'?
When Kathie asked me to be a part of this group, I wasn't sure I was a 'homemaker.' I mean, my friends who are 'homemakers' stay home all day, cooking and cleaning and watching their kids. I'm in front of a computer all day at an office- doesn't that disqualify me? If a homemaker is more broadly defined as someone who "makes a home" and prioritizes home and family, I realize I fit that definition- enthusiaistically!

Why 'Homemaker who Works'?
Sure, I suppose you could call me a 'Systems engineer who cooks and cleans and gardens in her free time,' but if my priority is my family and my home, I'm more accurately a 'homemaker who works.' I know I work with men who would more accurately be described as 'fathers who work' than 'systems engineers who happen to have kids'- and I respect that they prioritize their home and family life above their work life. I hope to do the same.

Jump on over to Homemakers Who Work every now and then & see what we're ruminating about. Balance is hard, and I'm glad I've found a group with similar priorities.