At SouthSide on Thursday morning we have a “Moms & Tots” group that meet each week.  It is a great place for moms of all ages to come together and meet.  Even though I am no longer a mom of a tot, I still love dropping in to visit the moms and getting my “baby fix”.  There is just something about getting hugs from children that just makes your day.  (Especially if you don’t have to deal with the dirty diapers, leaking bottles, fussy eating time and lack of sleep.)  

I enjoy watching moms share with and encourage each other, building relationships that will last a lifetime.  As I think back in my life as a mom of young children, I remember times when I thought I’d never get through the day – and like this group of moms, I also had a group of friends that met once a week together to encourage and support one another.  Even though most of our children are now grown and getting married, we still get together to talk and share.

When you look up the word Mother in the dictionary, this is what you may find:  “Mother (noun) A woman who conceives, gives birth to, or raises and nurtures a child.”  

That’s it?  That’s what it means to be a mother.  So what does it really mean to be a mother, a mom?  I came upon this job description for the position of a mother that I thought I would share.  

Position – Mother, Mom, Mommy
Job Description:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.  Candidate must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.  Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities.  Travel expenses not reimbursed.  Extensive courier duties are also required.

Responsibilities:
The rest of your life.  Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.  Must be will to bite tongue repeatedly.  Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule! and be able to go from zero to 100 kmph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.  Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.  Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.  Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.  Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and embarrassed the next.  Must handle assembly and product safety testing of cheap plastic toys and battery operated devices.  Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.  Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.  Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.  

Possibility for advancement and promotion:
Virtually none.  Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

Benefits:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for person growth and free hugs for life.

While this job description is done in humor, it is also not too far off from the truth.  Some days you really wonder if you are cut out for this mothering thing.  Philippines 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  You can do it!  It’s not always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.  And you are never alone.  You have an unlimited power source supporting you.  God!  He is faithful to bless us with what we need when we need it.  

I want to encourage moms, “celebrate your life!”  Find people to learn from and with.  Get together and share, cry, laugh and celebrate.  Most importantly, know that you can do all things because you have the strength from Christ Jesus to help you through.

Are you a Mom?
Know the rest of us appreciate you!