As much as I love my job, I am really missing my babies.
Maybe my vacation was too long. I became too content in my home-all-day routine. Now that I’m back to being a working mom again, I miss those days.
I miss the quiet mornings the most. While on vacation, I’d begin the day by waking up before the rest of the family, reading my Bible and enjoying a cup of coffee in the quiet. Then when Emily woke up (our early riser), I’d cuddle with her on the couch until the rest of the family was awake and ready for breakfast.
Now that I’m back at work I still get up before the family (earlier than when on vacation), rush through my Bible reading and try and get my hair and makeup ready before Emily wakes up so I can be out the door by 7:15 with minimal toddler clinging and crying.
The mornings just aren’t the same.
Then at work I daydream about my kids all day. I wonder what the girls are playing with. I imagine their little munchkin voices saying “thank you!”, their new favorite thing to say.
I come home to a messy house, a sink full of dishes, laundry on the couch that someone washed days ago and still hasn’t folded, and babies that want to be held by their Mama. But when Mama comes home, it’s time to hit the kitchen and start dinner. From day job to home job.
I’m sorry for grumbling. Sometimes you just gotta vent about being a working mom, and this is my space to do that.
Although there are a few reasons I can get down on myself for having to go to work, there are many, many more reasons for why my working brings me joy.
I love, love, love being a teacher. I couldn’t see myself finding joy in any other profession.
Through my job, I can provide quality health insurance for my family.
I work at a school that really values its staff and students.
I am incredibly blessed to and live work in the same city.
I go to work every day and do what I love (I know I said that already but I really do love teaching!).
My “bosses” are six-year-olds who can’t tie their own shoes and think I’m way more amazing than I really am.
I have summers and holidays off. Believe me, I know how priceless that is. I worked years at a beachfront restaurant, where weekends, summers, and holidays were mandatory.
I may wake up and start work early, but I have the potential to leave work at 3:00. Although no teacher can realistically get her job done well in just 6.5 hours, if for some reason I need to see my kids right after school, I can.
I spend my work day surrounded by children. The most innocent and trusting of humans are in my care, and I love that.
When grumbling starts to take over my thoughts, I have to turn to what grounds me: The word of the Lord and the blessings he has showered me with.
Do you get bummed out about being away from your kids while you’re working? What do you do to keep your spirits up?