There have been times when I have been in prayer and it’s like I almost hear the audible voice of God. I think it’s God’s way of making it clear to me that it is Him speaking and not just me thinking. One such time was about 17 years ago.
I had a 2 year old and an infant at the time. My husband was employed at our church. It was a large church with a large staff. All the wives of men on staff, were on staff too. All, that is, except me. They were all involved in some area of ministry within the church. I went through times of great confusion during those years. I felt guilty that I was the only wife that stayed at home full time. I wanted to stay at home with my children. That is what my husband wanted too. But yet, I often felt that I should be serving within the church.
One day, I was going through a particular hard time with it. During a time of worship at prayer group, I cried out to God. I pleaded with Him to please show me what my area of ministry was. I wanted to know what I was supposed to be doing. He answered me! I cried and cried tears of relief. I finally had an answer and I finally had peace about it. I felt He said that my husband and my children WERE my ministry! Wow!
I wish that I could say that over the past 17 years, I never forgot about that moment. There have been times when I felt guilty for not being more involved at church. There have been times when I have been too involved at church. But, I get my focus back where it needs to be: family first. That does not mean family only. But it does mean that I need to evaluate my level of involvement (in church or in community). If I am taking on too much, I get stressed. And we all know, when Mama gets stressed, the family gets stressed.
That night that God spoke to me, is so clear in my mind right now. I thank Him for that.
Now on the lighter side, with tomorrow being Mother’s Day, I wanted to share this story. I came across it many years ago. I have seen varying versions of it. Enjoy!
A Mother’s Job Description
A woman, renewing her driver’s license at the Motor Registration office, was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
“What I mean is,” explained the counter clerk, “do you have a job or are you just a …?”
“Of course I have a job,” snapped the woman. “I’m a Mom.”
“We don’t list ‘Mom’ as an occupation, ‘housewife’ covers it,” said the clerk emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our
own Medicare office.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, “Official Interrogator” or “Town Registrar.”
“What is your occupation?” she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. “I’m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid air and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
“Might I ask,” said the clerk with new interest, “just what you do in your field?”
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,
“I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn’t) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I’m working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-
of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.”
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants — ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6
month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than “just another Mom.” Motherhood!
What a glorious career! Especially when there’s a title on the door!
Does this make grandmothers “Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development
and Human Relations” And great grandmothers “Executive Senior Research Associates?”
I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts “Associate Research Assistants.”
