What's Harder? Bringing Home the Bacon or Cooking It?

My wife returns tomorrow from the first real, extended, separate vacation in our marriage. She’s in Denver visiting a friend and I’ve had complete control of the ship (eight kids) for 5 days now.

Everyone (mostly women) I’ve seen the last few days have asked one-half compassionately and one-half snickering – “how’s it going? Are you doing OK?” “Piece of cake” is my standard answer.

This is in NO way to diminish the challenge, sacrifice and commitment of stay-at-home (or even more so – single) moms. Five days does not equal five weeks or five months or five years. But, in my very brief assignment of being in charge of “things”, I know what my choice would be between primary care-giver and sole-provider.

This week I’ve; applied band-aids, done homework, cooked meals, visited grandparents, done laundry, negotiated sibling disputes, driven kids to various activities, and given and gotten lots of hugs and kisses.

Last week I; negotiated contracts, went to networking events, handled customer complaints, dealt with disgruntled employees, managed the unrelenting pressure of “making the numbers” and shaved regularly.

I’m certainly not suggesting that the “grass is greener” in any direction. It has always been and will always be what each of us makes of our unique circumstances. But, Just So You Know - given the choice of catching the food or cooking it, after some significant, dedicated time really doing both – I think I know which one has more rewards, more impact and the most meaningful benefits for everyone involved, in both the short term, and, long-run.