I heard some woman refer to taking care of her kids as “a job.” Excuse me but the definition of a JOB is “a piece of work done for pay. The thing or material that is worked on, a task or duty.” This is according to Webster’s New World Dictionary (c) 2003. Other words that can be substituted are assignment, career, duty, employment or chore.
Sorry, but me taking care of my children is none of the above! Certainly not the way this woman stated it on a television show this morning.
I was blessed with sons and via that, became a mother. It was what I wanted for my life. My job- was what I went to school to learn skills to acquire. It was what I needed to help me take care of and support my children. However, bathing, changing, feeding, clothing, taking care of, nurturing, watching over, protecting and teaching the boys- these are things I did because I am a mother.
My job was something I applied for and got. I did not apply for motherhood. My job is something I could quit or walk away from. I couldn’t “quit” motherhood or walk away from my sons unless I wanted to be a bad mother. My job is something I will retire from. A real mother; a real parent does not stop parenting. The role shifts to that of an adviser once your son or daughter becomes an adult but you never really stop and those of us who have helped our adult children from time to time know that.
It is a hard “job” but the meaning has more to do with responsibility rather than something for which I seek monetary compensation. If my boys love God and turn out well, that is payment enough. Even if they get into trouble but know who God is; they’ll be alright. He will take care of them when I am not able and He will rescue them if necessary, even from themselves.
In The Spirit of Truth
RuNett Nia Ebo, Poet of Purpose