The answer popped into my head immediately: “In all honesty, my most rewarding job has been being a mother.”
I consider it a blessing and a privilege to have been able to stay at home with my children. No, my husband’s job didn’t pay a huge salary; we were just very frugal.
And it has definitely been worth the penny-pinching. Just consider some of the many, many rewards I received as a mother:
- I felt the squeeze of little arms around my neck, the gentle touch of tender lips on my cheek, and the rhythmic breathing of a child asleep in my arms
- I watched young minds grow in knowledge and wisdom.
- I listened as little voices sang songs I sang, repeated words I spoke and imitated actions I took—flattery in its highest form.
- I experienced the comfort of a child’s pat on the back and reassuring words that “It’ll be okay, Mommy,” when a bat flew through the house and I took the kids and hide in the bedroom.
- I witnessed self-absorbed teens blossom into responsible, self-sacrificing adults.
- I heard, “I love you,” each night before bed for over 20 years. To this day I hear it at the end of every phone conversation or text.
No wonder I answered the interview question the way I did! Motherhood not only matters; it carries its own rewards.
Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3
What is the greatest reward you have experienced as a parent? I would love to hear about it in the comments section.
Stay tuned for part two, “The Rewards of Foster Parenting”, coming soon.
