Best Jobs

This morning was rainy and cold. As I drove by I saw a man on the street dressed as the Statute of Liberty. He had a hooded sweat shirt on under his costume. His job was to draw attention to the new business, Liberty Tax Service, which opened up in my neighborhood. I felt very badly for this grown man who had to stand outside in the rain and cold and wave to passing cars. He didn’t look very happy and I just said a word of prayer for him.

It got me to thinking. There are so many jobs out there that people do – some of them not pleasant. Some provide essential services to make our lives more convenient. Then there are those who put their lives on the line everyday in order to make our world a little safer. To list a few; policemen, doctors, nurses, fireman, airline workers, bus drivers, gas station attendants, 24-hr supermarkets, latte makers, garbage collectors, gardeners, mail men, maids, cooks, etc.

Then there is a job that encompasses being a cook, maid, gardener, doctor, nurse, taxi driver, etc. all wrapped up in one. That person keeps the home front running better known as mom. My kids are grown now and I love this stage of life. I do remember how it was to stay home and take care of young children and the home. I’ve done many things in my life that I got paid for, but that’s one job I would have paid to do. Yes, I was tired and it seemed like my work was never done. At times it felt like no one appreciated my cooking, cleaning, caretaking, etc. but that wasn’t true. They showed me in the most important way – they grew up to be incredible individuals. My children are young adults and I’m proud of who they are. I love them with my whole heart and I’m grateful that God let me borrow them.

One thing I've learned was that I couldn’t be a good mother without first being a good wife. These beautiful children grow up and move out, but the one who stays behind is the man I married. As much as our children tease us, they know that their parents love each other and enjoy each other. They witnessed us taking time out not only for them but for ourselves as well. I don’t regret taking time for our relationship. Those scheduled dates were important as well as the yearly vacation with and without the kids.

One day our daughter said she wanted a man that will love her the way her dad loves her mom. She continued to inform us that she won’t settle for anything less. That’s worth all the paychecks I didn’t get all those years.

So treasure every moment, every step, every smile, every hug from those little ones, but don’t forget the man who help bring them into the world.

© Nadine Z. 2007