Blooming where you are planted

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

This was my verse of the day today and it resonated deep within me. I randomly find myself looking and longing for other's gifts. I notice women who have "jobs". They are gifted artists, writers, and entrepreneurs. There are times that I would like to be looked upon as a professional and holding a job with "value". There are days that I wish that I was called to be something with more travel or with a higher paying job. I, on the other hand, am called to be a stay at home mom. I know stay at home moms are not looked upon as the most envied job in America. We are not paid according to our time or position. Just for giggles I took a survey on Salary.com to see how much I should be making as a stay at home mom. Drum roll please.... My annual salary would be.... $193,208. I say... Show me the money!! (in my bank account preferably)

But there is another side to this story that overlooked too many times. (even in my own world) I have the honor to be chosen by the King to play my part. If we all played the same part how could there be such a beautiful balance? He has called me to be a mom – a stay at home mom. I have the privilege to take a huge part in my children’s lives every day. I am the one making them breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (ok, sometimes I cheat and don't technically make dinner... but I provide dinner) I know their friends intimately. I am the one who helps them with their homework, goes on field trips with them, and totes them around to all of their activities. I love that my friends are the therapists that work with my sweet little girl. I have the privilege to work in the classroom and pour into my children. Of course, there are days that are harder than others. But it’s me- I get them! I am the one who gets to raise the next generation of the Bailes family. I am proud of these little people who call me Mom. I love that my everyday revolves around these little souls that God has trusted me with. This is big picture love. A love that says "I lay down my wants and desires for you. I freely give up sick days, vacations, and expensive clothing." I am so very blessed. Today I celebrate the job I have been called to. Today I celebrate being a Stay at Home Mom! Today I desire to bloom where I am planted.

** Fine Print: To the Moms out there that work outside of the home, You Go Girl! This is simply a personal victory of celebrating where I have been planted in my life. May you bloom where you are planted.