Whose Job Is It?

A man once got a job in an office. When he was first hired, the boss put out a memo telling what his job description would be. But...the man never read the memo. So he just busied himself around the office doing whatever appealed to him. He was always busy, mind you, but not doing what he was hired to do.

In fact, NO ONE was really doing what the man had been hired to do. And it really began to take a toll on the whole office. These things needed to be done by someone, but it seemed no one thought it was their job.

Of course sometimes the man HAD to do one of his "real" jobs. Just simply because the office couldn't function unless it was done. But when he did, he was always mad. He would perform the job (that SHOULD HAVE BEEN his) but he grumbled inwardly the whole time because he was sure someone wasn't doing their job.

Sound silly?

I was that man.

When I got married 18 1/2 years ago, I had not read my job description. I had no understanding.

...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5

 So I went on about my business doing what I thought was my job (teaching) and of course things still needed to be done around the house. At first I didn't mind....I mean, our apartment was new and all. But as the years wore on, and we got busier, I started to mind. I was SURE all this wasn't MY job! After all, I was gone all day to work just like S and I had totally bought the lie that "marriage is 50/50." If I was cooking, then HE needed to do dishes!

I still ended up doing most of my "real job" that I should have been doing all along. Just simply because it needed to be done. But I grumbled inwardly and I was SURE it wasn't all my job. I was mad a lot.

What a joy when I finally read and understood my job description!! Actually, it took a load off my shoulders! I was doing WAY more than I was called to do! I was worrying myself with things that were not my concern. I was doing a lot of good things, but neglecting the tasks I had been asked to concentrate on.

Now when the house is a mess, I'm still not happy. BUT...I'm not mad at my husband about it. I say to myself, "I have GOT to get this kitchen cleaned up!" Did you hear that? I say, "I" have to clean it. Not "someone should really...." Now don't get me wrong, I am always glad for help around here--especially when I'm pregnant! But I don't expect someone to come do my job. I actually really enjoy my job and feel that I get better at it each year. (I've been home full time for 5 years now.)

You might disagree if you saw my house right now. But the thing is, I'm excited that it's Friday and the weekend and I'M HOME to take care of things. Such a blessing.

I love my job.