Monday, November 14, 2005

Motherhood, Writing and Cupcakes

One of my biggest challenges is balancing being a mom and being a writer. Some days I do it better than others. So I was quite touched when I ran across this quote by GK Chesterton. Just ignore the references to British government.

To be Queen Elizabeth within a definite area, deciding sales, banquets, labors, and holidays; to be Whitely within a certain area, providing toys, boots, cakes, and books; to be Aristotle within a certain area, teaching morals, manners, theology, and hygiene; I can understand how this might exhaust the mind, but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it. How can it be a large career to tell other people’s children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone and narrow to be everything to someone? No, a woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute.
(What’s Wrong with the World, quoted in Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, Nelson Books)

The last two lines are my favorite because, especially when my children are small, I am everything to them. I am their world, and the import of that can be staggering.

One of the main reasons we moved to Arizona was to be able to live in a place where our kids could have a yard to play in, sidewalks to rollerblade on, and streets for bike riding. Because we had decided that I would stay home with the kids, I knew I wouldn’t be able to do that and remain sane if there wasn’t enough space to expand the massive amounts of energy my kids seem to generate. Wish they’d transfer some of that energy to me.

And over the past three years as various people have asked us if moving to Arizona was worth what it’s cost us, I’ve been able to say yes, if only for the sake of my kids … and my sanity.

My writing hasn’t been hurt, either. In California I had written zero books. In Arizona, I’ve just finished my third.

But for now, I’m going to go make cupcakes with my boy. Gotta celebrate finishing book three.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whoohoo book three complete! Cupcakes sounds like a great way to celebrate! If more people understood SAIMs, our schools would be a lot different! Hang in there, Jen. You are doing an amazing job.

michael snyder said...

More heaping congrats on finishing (I had no idea that was the THIRD...I'm even more impressed!).

And what a great book it is (okay, all the first parts, anyway).

You will never regret any decision that puts your children's (physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.) welfare above your own (financial, etc.).

And again I say...three novels?

Unknown said...

Congrats on finishing that third book, girl! I have a sign over my pc which reads "the best two words in the English language are 'the end'." Now start on four! LOL (ok, I can say that because I just began book seven--I really should start sending these out, huh? LOL)

Again...HUGE congrats!

OH, and about being a SAHM.....we're blessed to be able to do this! Now, I'm not brave (or insane) enough to home-school, but I sure love being home with my kids!

Anonymous said...

I love that quote! Thanks for sharing it here!

Congrats on book 3! Wow. This is in your Hometown Heroes series?

Sometimes the homeschooling part can feel insane...mostly when I just want to write...but I think juggling school any other way would bring more hardship to my life!

I love having the opportunity to stay at home...nothing better!