Why do we compare motherhood to a job? Jobs have set hours where you are on the clock and off the clock. Jobs have benefits…I mean tangible benefits. Jobs have vacation days, paid time off days and sick days. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applies to those with jobs. In fact, how about a salary? Hourly wage? insurance benefits? Retirement fund? Wait…let’s see, an annual performance review? Opportunity for upward movement?
I just don’t see the comparison.
What motherhood is….is a way of life. It’s a gift. It’s craziness. A lifelong, 24/7, relentless commitment. Yes, I know, we choose it (most of the time!). But I think at times, at least the first time around, it’s like choosing a prize from behind somebody’s back…you just don’t know what you are going to get!
And while it does no one good to sit and complain about how hard motherhood can be….let’s get real. We are blessed to be able to be mothers. We are blessed to be able to give and sustain life outside of our selves. There is nothing like the love of a mother. And it IS hard at times. It is stressful, confusing, earth shattering difficult sometimes. It is also a gift. And at times, we may want to imagine our life without the gift…or think back to the time in our life when we did not have that gift…but it is our life.
So I can not narrow it down, exactly what motherhood is…in one word, phrase or sentence. But I do know that it is NOT a job. Jobs come and go…motherhood will always remain, with all the stresses and the many blessings!
My sister Annie Leppin got me hooked onto your blog. I am an expecting mother (due in Novemeber). I just want to let you know that I am not a mother yet but I love reading your blog because you keep us woman realistic. I am sure you remember that when you are pregnant with your first child people already start to tell you everything you are doing wrong , right , and indifferent. Reading your blog has reminded me to make the best decisions I can make for me and my new family member and not to stress or feel guilty about things that is just not worth it or out of my control. Thank you and I will be reading every chance I get!
Sincerely, Mandy Kerruish
Yea Mandy! I am so happy you find this blog useful! I am also honored that you spend your valuable time reading it! Thank you for taking the time to write. Keep moving forward, no matter who tells you what..and just follow your intuition! You go girl!
Meg