A study reported that if the typical stay-at-home mom in the US were paid for her work, she would earn $138,095 a year. The study listed 10 jobs as comprising a mother’s main work, which were housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, laundry machine operator, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist. A mother who holds a full-time job outside the home would earn an additional $85,939 for the work she does at home, in addition to the salary she receives for her job.
In reality, what mothers are worth, whether she stays at home or also has an outside the home job as well, is beyond estimate. Hopefully mothers view the work they do in the home as more than just a “job” but as the greatest labor of love. The bond between a mother and her children is special indeed, in which she is willing to place their needs above her own, to provide for them not only when they are not able to provide for themselves, but to love and care for them throughout the number of her days. It is the highest calling, then, when Paul asks Titus to remind mothers to love their children and be workers at home (Titus 2:4-5).
In addition to the physical and emotional care they provide in the home, there is the spiritual influence mothers offer their children. Who can put a price tag on one’s soul? Scripture reminds us of how important a mother’s instruction is to her children. The writer of Proverbs spoke of the consequences that come from the child who refuses to obey his mother (Proverbs 30:17). Paul exhorted children to “obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1), and he reminded Timothy of the faith that was instilled in him by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Jesus was submissive to both Joseph and Mary (Luke 2:51), and He showed His love and appreciation for His mother in providing for her welfare while He was on the cross (John 19:26-27). A godly mother, like the virtuous woman of Proverbs, is “far more precious than jewels” (Proverbs 31:10).
There are many demands placed upon mothers in our culture, which have to do with the needs of her family, as well as her own needs. It is not easy providing for other’s needs, much less considering one’s own needs. Thank God for mothers who love and care enough to see their children have what they need, especially for life in Christ. Salvation is a gift beyond measure, a gift that gives forever. May we, whether in memory or in their presence, accord our mothers the love and respect they are due. Through time, may we offer them the care they need and which we can offer. May we offer the greatest gift possible, which creates the greatest joy in a mother’s heart, by loving God and being a faithful Christian, sharing in a mother’s hope. “Let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God” (1 Timothy 5:4).
