I think it is time for me to get opinionated in my blog. Eventually I am going to defend homosexual marriages and the legal rights of women to have an abortion. I have no shortage of opinions to express on controversial topics. Today I want to blog about an issue that comes up in my work-place frequently: Kids who can’t have birthday cupcakes.
As a teacher and a Liberal Christian I really struggle with a religion that does not allow children to celebrate holidays. In my previous post I talked about how special Christmas traditions are to me. Most teachers give out treats to children on their birthday but teachers have been told not to give children of Jehovah’s Witnesses treats on their birthday.
Christmas is not a happy sappy experience for everyone. When I was a kid all I knew was food, toys, fun, family gatherings and candle-lit services. I loved Christmas time so much that I persuaded Obadiah to add our wedding to the holiday season. I am grateful to my parents, Obadiah and the rest of my family for keeping the magic real for me. I was so naïve and I miss being that way.
If only I could home-school my children, I thought. If only I didn’t have to work. I have wondered if it is a sin for me to work for money to keep this beautiful house and maintain a certain standard of living.
Image by Pixabay
I wondered, Shouldn’t we let go of our material possessions to put Christ first in our lives? My husband, Obadiah, challenged my musings. “Are you saying it is a sin for mothers to work? Do all women have to stay home with their children? Is home-schooling the only acceptable way to educate a child?” We questioned the decisions we had made about our budget, home and lifestyle. We analyzed everything! I tried to imagine for us a radically different life. I prayed to God repeatedly asking Should we sell our home? Should I home-school? Should I be a stay-at-home-mom? I felt an answer in my soul.
I really want my kids to grow up in a church where they feel loved and accepted. It seems like this ought to be simple, but it absolutely is not. 
