The 8 Hour Vacation...Called Work

“Oh my gosh you’re finally home!” Ever say that when your husband walks in the door after a long day at work? From his perspective he’s worked hard for 8 hours to provide for the family, is tired and hungry and relieved to be home. That is until he walks in the door and is greeted by two screaming children and an overwhelmed wife who hands him one of the kids while exclaiming how grateful she is to have some help. Oh and by the way he just pooped so could you handle that for me? 

Nice to see you too, he thinks. 

One of my girlfriends described this as “the 8 hour vacation...called work”. Isn’t it true? I am totally guilty of treating my husband like he has been "on vacation" or "taking a break" when he comes home from an 8 hour day at work. I work hard all day too caring for and entertaining the kids, keeping the house In order, managing the bills, etc. but need to remember that just because he hasn't been home all day doesn't mean he's been fishing and drinking beer. Rather, he's putting all he has into his job to provide for our family.

The challenging thing about motherhood is that the job is physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually taxing. My job as a nurse can be this way too and my husband, who is a geological engineer, jokes "That's why I work with rocks!" By the end of the day I am ready to give my back a break and let him dance Claire around the kitchen or push Hudson in the laundry basket. It is a blessing, not a burden to be home, but like any job, it is important to find a balance so we both get a break. Not only does he feel pressure to work hard all day, but he also wants to spend time with his kids, has projects he wants to get done, a wife he wants to spend time with, and oh yeah friends and hobbies he would like to engage with if he ever had time. So when I treat his job like he has abandoned us all day it doesn't do anyone any good! 

Can you relate? 

Journey with me, pray with me, and feel free to comment.

@nfpteaching #strivinginmotherhood nfpteaching.com