I Don’t Wanna View Motherhood as a Job

I don’t wanna view motherhood as a “job.” 

Sure, there are parts of it that are not fun (like diaper blowouts and wiping snotty noses), and yes, it’s what I write down under “Occupation.”

But it’s more than just a job.

It’s not my identity, no, there is more to me than just motherhood. Don’t get me wrong here. 

But if I start viewing it as a job, then it loses its meaning, you know? 

If I view it as nothing more than a job, I’ll start dreading every day I have to get up and serve breakfast to my kids (although, I’ll be honest, I wish they’d sleep past 7 a.m.). 

If I view it as nothing more than a job, then I’m not soaking in all of their littleness and savoring every wet, sloppy kiss. I’d just be sitting here thinking, “I can’t wait till 5 o’clock when I’m ‘off work.’”

If I view it as nothing more than a job, then I’m counting down the days until they turn 18 and they’ll be on their own. That’s when “retirement” is for a stay-at-home mom, right? 

But here’s the thing, there are no vacations or even “retirement” for a mom. We’re on call 24/7 and even when they’re grown and gone, we’re still needed. 

It’s not just a job–it’s motherhood. 

It’s a gift. 

And every day is to be savored, thanking God for the gift of another day with our children. 

Thank You, Lord, for my kiddos. I pray I loved them well today and I honored You throughout it all. 

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” -Psalm 127:3