“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Psalm 127:3-5a (MSG)
Another Mother’s Day has come and gone, and yet I’m still basking in the blessings of my day. My husband and I are way past the stage of early mornings when our children, dragging blankets or cherished lovies, appeared suddenly and stealth-like at the side of our bed. I often think back to those days of waking up to see the precious face of a sleepy-eyed toddler merely inches away from my own. But a house full of teens does have a few perks: teenagers tend to sleep in! I woke up late and felt lazy – successful in fighting the urge to get up and get busy.
I was content to relax and do nothing, a luxury of sorts in the life of a mom.
It’s true what they say about motherhood. An actual job description may read something like this:
Must be willing to work long and variable hours, including evenings and weekends, in an often chaotic environment while maintaining an aura of patience. Must demonstrate an ability to improvise, due to the inherent demands of coordinating multiple schedules, and display proficiency in negotiation and crisis management. This position offers no monetary compensation.
It seems like most women of childbearing age would jump up and run fast – in the opposite direction! And yet millions of women voluntarily seek out this most important role, battling through adversity and miscarriage and infertility to follow the desires of their heart. Why?
Because the rewards of motherhood are immeasurably more than just the satisfaction of a job well done.
Author Linda Burton described it this way: “From the outside, our lives may well appear to be fragmented and frustrating. The structure of what we do looks menial and repetitive. And throughout a typical day, we are called upon to change directions as often as a squirrel trying to cross an interstate highway. The view from the inside, however, is rife with excitement and surprises…and can only be understood in terms of cumulative experience, and every day is completely different.”
Statistically, over 133 million cards are purchased in honor of Mother’s Day and the ones I opened that morning from my family were wonderful! But the note I received from my oldest son, Nick, gave Hallmark a run for their money. Here’s a short excerpt:
“Being so far away at college has made me realize that nobody has taken as good care of me as you always have. I can’t thank you enough for the transportation to thousands of events, the care you gave me in sickness (and) injury, the wisdom and guidance you’ve given me, and the times you’ve dropped everything to make sure I was okay! You’re kindness, persistence, and peaceful outlook inspire me every day. I love you so very much Mom! I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!”
Now, about those rewards? My heart filled with joy while I broke down and cried on the spot!
Thanks to my dear friend, Monica, for sharing this Hallmark moment: World’s Toughest Job. It will make you laugh and maybe even shed a tear (or two).
