I had just had my first child, had gained 25 kilos during pregnancy and I wasn’t working. I was sitting with a ton of baby weight, none of my clothes fit, I was inundated with nappy changing, baby burping and breast-feeding, and feeling highly under-accomplished, yet totally exhausted, all at the same time. I know this sounds ironic. Having a baby is a lot of work. This is why:
She breaks it down for us:
- First, mom lends her body for nine months. It stretches beyond recognition.
- Then she lends her heart for a lifetime.
- There are no off days, no time off, no breaks from being a mom. Your kids are constantly at the forefront of your life. If they aren’t with you, you’re worrying about whether they’re okay. Everything you do is either for them or because of them. They capture our hearts in ways only another mother can comprehend.
- Whether you have an office job, run a business, manage the home, receive a salary for it or not, a mother is constantly working for her family. And while the world might recognise a working mother as more accomplished, you better believe that running a home is a non-stop, 24 hour, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with no pay, no leave, no over-time, no bonus, job description for life. It’s not an easy task.
A mother must double up as hairdresser, dentist, stylist, chef, driver, motivator, counselor, event organiser, personal shopper, tutor, mediator, financer, therapist, doctor, planner, sports coach, vet, cleaner and whatever else is needed. Oh, and not only to the kids, but often to their dad too. Therefore the title ‘unemployed’ or ‘housewife’ is most unfitting of any mother. They are always employed and always on duty, right from the moment of conception when she now becomes responsible for two lives, not just her own. Her diet changes, her scheduling changes, and the learned habit of putting everyone else first before herself begins. So when she emerges in public with her nails and her hair done, and looking good, then she’s not only a mother but a supermodel too!
So to all my mothers, whether married or single, working in or outside the home, nails manicured or not, well done! Well done on being the best you can be. God has entrusted us with the birthing, raising, and destiny of our children. We are merely stewards of God’s creation. We hold the potential to multiply and fill the earth with more beings made in the image of God. We carry the privilege and responsibility to ensure the continuation of humankind. What a powerful testimony! Whether you gave birth biologically, or you’re adoptively raising a child, you are part of God’s plan for their life. What an honour. What a privilege. God trusts us to be stewards of His children.
Read more about Pushie and her journey of motherhood in our May issue.
