being a mom is hard

 John had a restless night.  He was weighed down with the task he would have to face in the morning of firing an employee.  I don't know any of the details except that he had given this employee every opportunity to change.  John understood that with the depressed economy this employee would have a difficult time finding employment. The burden weighed heavy.  At the end of the day this person lost their job and although John was saddened by the situation he knew that the overall work environment would improve.

I have thought about the differences and similarities in our work environments and as I write this I understand that life and work is not about being equal. I couldn't help but giggle over the fact that I can't fire an unruly child, no matter how many chances I give and intervention I try. I am stuck with them until they figure a few things out, even if it feels like eternity.

I can't leave my work at the office. I always take my work home with me.  The hours are ridiculous.

I can not avoid my children in social settings.  Sometimes it would be so nice to pretend they are not part of me when they misbehave. I can't pretend I didn't see them and duck into the bathroom so I can avoid a conversation. (Actually this part is false, I have been known to lock  the bathroom door for a few moments peace, unfortunately the lock on the bathroom door was broken by some very strong little boys so I always have a little person walking in asking a question.)

I can not ask for workers compensation when I am injured or sick.  

Do not expect a pay raise or a bonus for a job well done and quite frankly the job is never done.

I can always count on at least 3 arguments each day.  Some days my work environment is toxic, not only from the contention but the smells and messes left behind by the littles.

Being a mom is hard.  However...

I can expect unexpected love notes expressing gratitude.

I can count on marker smiley faces over every printable surface. How wonderful that the faces are smiles and not frowns!

I can insist on family dinner, where laughter, arguments, and faith is shared.  Sometimes it all ends in tears, but most days it's perfect and I can't wait for the next meal we share together.

I can demand story-time, snuggling, or tickle torture moments.

I can expect kisses, hugs, or random moments of affection that bring tears to my eyes.

I can be amazed when my children play nicely and for a few moments truly like one another.  They always love each other, it's the like that is more difficult.

I can understand that the job of mother is difficult EVERY SINGLE DAY, but the rewards and joy give me hope to try and little harder and be a little better. So today when I think about wanting to quit because that exact moment is more than I think I can handle, I'm going to try and remember how fleeting my time is with these precious little ones.  I want to enjoy EVERY SINGLE DAY.  I love them more than life itself.  Being a mom is hard, but the rewards exceed every expectation.  I love my job!

Comments

[Laura Solomon]

Thank you for writing this. I needed to read it today as I haven't felt many rewards from mothering lately.

[JRoberts]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

[mindy]

Great post! Being a mom is the hardest job in the world, but also it's very rewarding. My favorite is when I get loves out of no where, & the love notes I find hidden under my pillow, (oh gosh, I could go on and on, but i'll let it at those 2) I never want that to end.