I guess it just comes with gender. Women, especially wives and mothers, are expected to be the sole care-takers for the people in their lives. And they are supposed to enjoy it. But when you do everything for everybody and no one notices or helps, it gets tiring. And frustrating.
I am not a wife or mother, but I am already taking on the role of being everything for everbody. I am a babysitter, house cleaner, grocery getter, appointment setter, date reminder, and go-between for information. I make sure all appliances are safely turned off after use and make sure to clean the counter with disinfectant after someone handles chicken or raw meat. I wash dishes, clean the countertops, take out the trash, sweep and mop the floors, pick up stray socks and throw them in the laundry basket, and I make sure any food left out is put up in the fridge. My days off are spent tidying up the house, and I swear I burn like 200 calories after I’m done. I can’t imagine what it is like to be a mother and have to do all of this 10x times per day with children!
I hate to admit it, but I really do feel like mere utility sometimes. When I am at my sister’s house, I would love nothing more than to have an actual conversation with her instead of having to entertain my nieces and play the role of a playmate. And I would really appreciate it if the people I live with would put their dishes in the sink right after they eat so they aren’t piled up for me to do on the weekend. And it certainly wouldn’t hurt if everyone made sure all of their socks were in their proper place instead of leaving them on the ground.
While I don’t dare to compare my situation to the women who take care of children in a household, I still have my share of resentment for the frustration at people who, just don’t seem to notice my efforts. After all, if it wasn’t for me, the house may have burned down by now!
It does make me wonder if I give people too much slack. Maybe I need to be a little more assertive and vocal about my needs. But when I do that no one understands, or if they do, it doesn’t last and soon I am back to my old roles. So I have given up and decided this is just my lot in life. I am the woman. Whether I am single or married, childless or children, I will always be expected to take care of the people in my life. And while it frustrates me, it gives me strength and character in knowing I am upholding a noble cause in life. While people may not appreciate it, I am showing the selfless love of Christ to a selfish, lazy world.
