You know, when I created this blog initially, a couple of months ago, I was under the impression that it would be a very brief (a week or two) experience, since I consider myself highly employable, as does everyone I know.
To be perfectly honest, I never came back here to write another posting because I was certain of this fact. How could someone with my experience and credentials not find work, even in this poor economy?
Very slowly, as it became very apparent that local, full-time work was simply not in the cards, I felt a desire to try and find something that would allow me to earn a good wage from home. A 2 second Google search will tell you that I'm not alone in my desire. It's VERY difficult to find a job in this arena with no degree or experience, regardless of a very impressive resume.
Now I must preface the following information with this: I was raised in a very traditional household, with very traditional values in a very conservative church. What I mean by that is I have always held the opinion that the man of the family is responsible for being the primary breadwinner, while the wife stays at home and tends to the matters of the house. There really never was another option. I was also of the belief that this is what the Bible teaches, as well. Funny how things work out.
You see, two days ago, I met with an elder from my church to discuss the situation I have put my family in. (more on that in the next post) After explaining to him that in order for us to break even on me working (after paying childcare, commuting costs, etc) I had to find a job that paid $15/hour, at a minimum. Normally this wouldn't be an issue. My last employer paid me a very fair salary that was nearly twice that. I haven't had to work for that small of an amount in over a decade, so I figured it shouldn't be a problem. As you well know now, that's not the case.
Interestingly enough, after talking about these issues, and more, it was he who asked me this question, "Have you considered making staying at home with the kids and tending to the home your job?"
The question felt like a punch to the gut. I mean, I had considered it, albeit briefly. It was more like a passing notion than a feasible option. The man is supposed to earn the income and provide for the family, right?
I was speechless. Those who know me will tell you this is a very rare condition for me, one that usually indicates serious contemplation on my part. Hey, I'm a talker, deal with it. ;)
So after a brief silence, I stammered out some objections, as I figured clearly he would know that it's just simply NOT the way things work. He met my biblical objections with another gut punching question, "Where in the bible are you finding these scriptures that forbid it?"
Another silence.
I had no idea, to be honest. It was so ingrained in me, that I never even bothered to do my research. Well, I did that night, for sure. I poured through the scriptures, looking for any kind of passage that would support my claims of that becoming a stay at home dad was un-biblical. I wrestled with God that night, though I know that's never a good idea. I finally tapped out at 3am, surrendering myself to the notion this could actually be His will for me.
Once I came to peace with the knowledge of it not being a sin to let the wife earn the income, I felt comfort and peace the likes of which I haven't had in years. I slept like a baby...
(to be continued)
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