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I'm Busier on Weekends

I went into academia in part because it can be a contemplative life. Many concepts in my discipline (math) require some thought, and so the luxury of staring at some formulas and letting my mind wander is very enjoyable. 

There are responsibilities; my primary job description is as teacher. I am also expected to perform service in addition to scholarship but I do not fool myself that my work is any more strenuous than I let it be. It's a good gig and I'm in no rush to retire.

At home I have more responsibilities, as a husband and parent. They are present during the week but more so on the weekends. Cooking is part of that and I do enjoy non-trivial recipes. There are errands to be run, church to attend, etc.

Mostly though the busy-ness is not having much chance to be contemplative. At any moment I am on call for those around me to provide counsel or labor. It is not bad, but it is busy, and I often breathe a sigh of relief when I return to work on Monday.

This is by choice. I have chosen to make my home and family the center of my life. I don't spend time going to athletic events, hanging out with friends, etc. The busy-ness is by choice because I knew too many families where a parent, almost exclusively the father, did not have their center in the home and were happy to leave their spouse to pick up the slack. This is not who I want to be.

This is the path that I have chosen and I do not complain.

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