INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE FOR MAY 2017  (MOTHER’S DAY)

FROM CHARLES SCHOKMAN

“JUST” A MUM?

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?’

Coolly, 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 (one son & three 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 bureaucracy!

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 is a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers— ‘Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations’
And great grandmothers —‘Executive Senior Research Associates?’ I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts—Associate Research Assistants.

Thumbs up to all Mums, aunts, grandmas, and great grandmas!!!
Author: Unknown

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:10-30