Not a "Real" Job

Sheriff is shadowing his dad today at work. Ever since his teacher announced last month that the class needed to chose a profession to follow for a day, Sheriff knew immediately that he would pick his dad to follow around at work.

Why not me? Isn't doing laundry, washing dishes, paying bills, running errands, preparing sharing time lessons, grocery shopping and cooking and cleaning exciting enough for him!?!

I mean really!

I gave him several opportunities to change his mind but apparently even if he DID have the desire to follow me around learning how he could one day grow up to be a mom he would have been docked 100 points for choosing a job that doesn't pay any money.

WHAT????????

Because what I do is not a "real" job seeing as I don't get paid. I hope no stay home mom really thinks that and I'm disappointed that points would be docked for choosing this option.

"What DO you get paid?" Sheriff asked me this morning.

I get the personal satisfaction of seeing my boys grow up to be well-adjusted adults who know how to work hard. (Please let that happen.)

I think parents work more on small bonuses verses regular paychecks. I get my evening hugs from my kids which I treasure. Many days I have to wade through a lot of conflict management to get to those hugs.

I was having a particularly hard day with one of my boys and a Primary song came to my mind. I sat down at the piano and opened the book to find it. Strangely enough the songbook opened directly to the page - #178

These are some of the words:

Teacher do you love me?
Teacher will you care for me?
Even if I turn away,
or disobey,
or go astray,
Then will you love me still?

I need your love, I need your light
to show me how to be like Jesus.
The Savior's love will light the path
To lead me safely home.

Oh yes, my child I love you.
My child I'll always care for you.
And with the Savior as our guide,
I'll share the light I feel inside,
And you will feel his love for you.

They touched my heart because as parents we are constantly teaching our children. There are times when I throw my hands up in the air in frustration and wonder what I can try next. But inevitably that frustration gives way as love wins over.

Mother do you love me? Oh yes, my child I love you.