So, today was career day at my children's school. I love spirit days, they always give me a chance to frantically dig through whatever I can find to help my child look like their favorite animal, or character from a book. (Seriously, I hope you can read the sarcasm screaming out here between the line) Even better, now living here in a developing country- it makes it even more fun when you just can't run out to the closest Hobby Lobby and craft your way to the perfect costume. So, my heart was beyond happy to get word that the school was celebrating the last spirit day-- Career Day.

I was even more excited when my daughter announced that she'd like to go as a mommy. She was torn between a marine biologist, (Here words were dolphin doctor) and the honorable position of mom. We quickly whipped up her costume, equipped with baby, coffee and cell phone. Off I sent her to school. I snapped a quick picture of her proud moment, bearing the resemblance of a little "mom" and called it a pretty good morning.

This evening as my son was getting ready for bed he said they had asked on the field at school for the kids to share their careers. He said that as his little sister spoke to the crowd saying "I'm a mommy, " the kids began to giggle. It broke his heart and tonight it broke mine. He was sad because of the value our family has placed on callings and our careers. "If God calls her to it, mom..." he whispered.

In a world where we teach our daughters that they can be anything-- why can't they still be a mommy? In a world full of women's rights and marches, and the advancement of equal opportunities- why shouldn't our young girls still have the right to choose to be only a mom? Who ever in this world, that has been shaming this idea should have a good reminder of what it means to have equality and freedom.

Don't get me wrong- I'm the first to believe women have a place at the table. I believe a woman has the right to be a doctor, a lawyer, a pastor, or serve her country- even with her baring arms, if she so wishes. I believe at the same time our men have the same equal opportunity to choose what ever career they want, whether it be a business man, a missionary, politician, or a full-time stay at home dad.

Why must we limit our children based on what we feel is the best for them? If we truly mean it, when we say "You can be whatever you want to be," we must be willing to embrace that career no matter the gender, and no matter the job. Success is not defined always by your bank account, but from the joy it brings to you and those around you and the desire that God places in your heart. I promise you my life as a missionary is not preparing us for that golden retirement, but I can assure you that my heart is full and I'm content in the life I live. I love living my passion and our calling in God.

My husband and I tell our children when they share their dreams for their future to simply pray about it. Then we always respond that if God calls them to it, he will bless them and bless those around them. To us that is enough. Who are we to argue or question the calling and passions God places on our children's hearts.

Being a mommy, is not "just" a job. To many it is "the" job. Being a full-time mom or dad is not for the faint of heart- believe me I've tried it and I feel I failed miserably, but I know women who rock it, toting their Pinterest life styles, spending the day with their kids. I see the passion and joy they have in their lives and I'm convinced it's an incredible job-- to stay at home and raise your children. A job that any child, boy or girl, should be proud to be on Career Day at school.

This mom is done with the idea that we must conform to someone's opinion that you can't just be. You can just be a mom. You can just be a dad. You can just be a doctor, or a lawyer, or a construction worker, electrician, a secretary, a teacher, or nurse. Just be. If God has called you, and your heart is happy and it brings joy to the people around you- DO IT. You can BE whatever career you want and BE proud of it. Own it.

So to my beautiful, little girl- Own it, sweet Norah. Carry your baby and cup of coffee and be proud of the woman you will be some day. Be a Mommy that walks with grace and pride and the joy of Jesus to share with your babies and those around you at every mom group, grocery store aisle and school function. Be such a mom, that the world sees Jesus ooze out of you, and they think-- wow, what a woman, what a job. I want to be a mom when I grown up too.