Payback

As we celebrated Mother's Day this past week I ended up with quite a bit of time to think and realized that while I do not receive pay for my job as mom, and expressions of gratitude do not always present themselves, I could never put a price tag on the benefits poured out on me.


I heard the oft quoted job description of mother with the excessive demands on our time, energy, emotions, and talents, and the pay as additional demands or money, or occasional thank-yous. They don't even acknowledge the half of it.


The pay I receive each day is unable to be squandered, can't be stolen, is limitless, and not subject to identity fraud. On the one hand, they couldn't ever pay enough for the job that motherhood requires, on the other hand, we couldn't do enough for the "pay" we receive.


I just need to remember to keep my eyes open for it:

-Little fingers curled around mine

-Sleepy "I wuv you" whispered in my ear

-Unblinking eyes looking closely into mine

-Knock-down hugs

-Sharing belly laughs and secret giggles

-Notes on pillows

-One of a kind artwork, designed with me in mind

-Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery

-"Fighting" for the seat closest to me

-Begging for more good-night time

-Excited chatter at the dinner table

-Cook's helpers

-Light bulb moments

-Standing up for their faith

-Sibling love

-Milestone celebrations -- steps and loose teeth, words and waves, bicycles and baseballs

-A millions kisses from butterflies to Eskimos

And the list goes on and on . . .


What items do you have jingling around in your coin purse of motherhood? I bet each child has made a hefty deposit into your IRA memory account this week and I would love to hear about it. Please share, as when we hear others' "moments" it often jogs our own memories as well.


So often we focus on how much we give as moms, but I quickly become overwhelmed when I realize all the priceless treasure that I receive in return. I'm definitely getting the better deal.

No cost to me, and immeasurable riches in return.


Check out more Frugal Friday thoughts.
And, more Finer Things.

Comments

Great post! Thanks for reminding me about how great it is to be a Mom!
~Liz
Courtney said…
Best job I've ever had. Wouldn't trade it. Those are some great moments you mentioned. They are treasure.

You back on your feet now?
annies home said…
very sweet post I remember those feelings and now receive them from my grandchild
6intow said…
Liz, it is so great isn't it? And so easy to forget how great it is.

Courtney, I'm kind of on my feet, but just because that is the most comfortable position. My neck/back are still not doing well. They are now thinking I have a herniated disk and have me scheduled for an MRI next week. Right now I am on steroids that make my days a bit better. Still sticking with the minimum. Thanks for asking!

shopannies, great reminder that even when these days are over we might be fortunate enough to enjoy a second round of blessings!

~Erin
amy in peru said…
Yep. I had the same sort of reflective thoughts this Mother's Day.

Regarding avocado tree:

That is really FUNNY! I'm sure it does take a while to bear fruit! hahahahah. Kind of like us I guess with spiritual fruit sometimes...

Yeah, I'm hoping that it will grow faster here in the tropics!

You are such a great mom to be living out childhood dreams with your children ;)

Amy
Tarapoto, Peru
Niki Jolene said…
This is so darned sweet!

:)
Tara said…
My one year old started trying to sing this week--it is just precious! And he likes to kiss my pregnant belly--melts my heart.
6intow said…
Tara, thanks for sharing those. Love from the really little ones is so genuine, so amazing. I love the image of kids kissing their siblings en utero!
~Erin
Relishing Life said…
Your words are so true!! Being Mommy is by far the best paying job in the world!! I just wish that I could bottle up all of the sweet little hugs and kisses for when they grow up and aren't a free with them. The pay we receive from our children are truly one of the finer things in life!!
Megan said…
Aww, how sweet and so true!
Fantastic post. I stumbled it!
6intow said…
Amy, thanks for the stumble!


Thanks, everyone, for stopping in. It is a privilege to walk the road of motherhood with so many other great, and well paid mothers. :-)
~Erin

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