Valentine Shmalentines

I did not wake up this morning to doves overhead or a little naked baby hanging in the air with his arrow. I woke up to one child with a hurt knee, possible requiring a small surgery and a sick toddler. I recalled a question my daughter had asked me earlier this week she asked, "What did you want to be when you grew up when you were a little mommy?"
To which I quickly replied, "I wanted to be a mommy."
She thought and asked, "Did you know that you wouldn't be paid for that job?"
My husband and I heard the question and we just looked at each other with a shrug and little laugh.

But, it's true mothers aren't paid. We could agree on something cute like, we get paid in hugs and kisses. But, then we would also agree on days like today when "sick" is going around the house, I don't particularly want a kiss and I'm pretty sure I do not even want a hug. I would rather be paid in actual dollars. Not boogers and viruses. That way, maybe I could go on a date with my husband and cupid wouldn't even have to come. The excitement of eating at a table for two would be enough.

I used to think in the early days of motherhood, "Lord, Do you see me here!? I am struggling! Send someone to help. FAST! An angel, a friend, even a stranger will do."

The Lord brought these verses to my heart in those early days.
Psalms 27:13-14
I am still confidant of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

At the beginning of this chapter David says if my parents leave me, if everyone is gone. I will wait and trust in His goodness. I was encouraged and a little convicted by this. In the Bible I see a steadfastness in times of trouble. I'm reminded of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they said "If we live or if we die. We will not bow down."

Time has passed since my oldest were little and I still do not look forward to stomach viruses and colds. Valentines Days that go by with little fanfare will never be fun. After all I'm still a girl. However, this is my job and I will stand and see the goodness that the Lord will provide in and through my children. I will choose to be strong and wait to see His goodness in the lives of my children. Being a mom isn't easy. I do love the kisses and hugs but, I do it because I'm investing in something that counts. We as women will put all the time and hard work into college and then our career. Why wouldn't we give the same to motherhood? Our families deserve. Even though we are not getting paid we are still making an investment in our children and ultimately the Kingdom of God.