Gender roles, or lack thereof......

Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. The move took a little more out of me than I planned. But now we're finally settling. There is an odd reverse in gender roles, since Mandy goes to work everyday, and I'm staying home, doing the dishes and the laundry, and usually the one to cook supper (and no, that does not mean we eat McDonald's every night!!).

Interestingly enough, with Father's Day coming up so close, it's made me think about the subject of manhood. Technically, when you look at the traditional gender roles, one could say that I should feel my masculinity threatened by the situation. I'm not out working a 40/week job trying to provide for the family. Granted, I still get a teacher paycheck through August, but still. I wake up between 8 and 9 everyday, run errands, do chores, and whatever else comes to mind. Meanwhile, my wife is at work all day most of the week, learning new procedures for her hospital and taking care of people so she can bring home a paycheck.

But you know, oddly enough, I don't feel threatened at all. I realize that this is where God has for us now. He wants Mandy to pursue her ministry in the medical field, and He wants me to pursue my education at Seminary. And, as I'm sure most of you have heard, Seminary is a job in and of itself. So, as long as I'm doing what God has called me to do, then no, I'm not ducking on any responsibility.

Now this isn't an excuse for idleness. If I spent the entire day watching ThunderCats reruns and playing Freedom Force or Marvel Ultimate Alliance, and my wife came home to dirty laundry, dishes, and a hungry husband expecting dinner to be cooked, then yes, my masculinity should feel threatened. Because then I would not be providing for my wife in the way that God wants me to.

The day will be coming when Mandy will stay home with the kids (not to worry, they are still a long way off), and I'll be the one out and about providing for my family. That season will come, but for now, in this season, my place is to learn, to support my wife through acts of service, and leave the financial security to her and God.

So, until God calls me to do otherwise, I'll be the "happy homemaker husband."

Feel free to comment or ask questions. I'm always here.

Keep Soaring,

B