Just a Mom?

I've been having some issues with our computer lately - can't download pictures or scan anything. Since I'm technology challenged, I'll wait to have Mike look at it and hopefully be able to post more with those tomorrow!

Earlier this year I received an e-mail about how stay-at-home mom's are seriously under appreciated by society. I am a stay-at-home mom but I rarely "stay at home"! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!! :)

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's
office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated,
uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "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 recorder emphatically.

I forgot all
about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at
our own Town Hall. 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 midair 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?"

Cooly, 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 bueaucracy! 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 Associated in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"? I
think so!!! I also think it make Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".

Dear Heavenly Father, please bless all the Mom's reading this, whether they "stay-at-home" or "work". Grant them Your Strength, Comfort, Peace, Patience, Grace, and Wisdom needed for each day. Thank You for being by our side through it all and showing us that we are not alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Late Edit to Post: Please do not think I have anything against mothers who work outside the home! I have an utmost respect for those women and honestly don't know how they do it! This post is simply meant to be a light-hearted look at how society views stay-at-home moms. :)