Saturday, September 13, 2008

"Just a Mom"

I am a new contributor to this blog & for the past few weeks, I’ve been debating on what I could add to what others have already written. I finally decided to tell you about my favorite job in the entire world.

For those of you who don’t know me, I work part time as the weekend morning meteorologist for the local CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City. It’s a pretty fun little gig…but that’s not the job I’m talking about. The job I’m talking about is being just a mom. Why do I say “just a mom”? Because most the time, when I’m introduced to someone, something is usually said like, “This is Lindsay Storrs. She does the weather on Channel 2 on the weekends. Pretty cool, huh? And, then during the week, she is just a mom”. I’ve even caught myself saying "I’m just a mom" a time or two.

I think a lot of women who are “stay-at-home moms” (a term I hate by the way…what stay-at-home mom actually stays at home?) find themselves saying they are just moms. Why do we say that? What we should really say is “I’m a maid, chef, nanny, chauffeur, teacher, personal shopper, party planner, homework tutor, hair stylist, therapist, garbage collector, landscaper, computer technician, sports coach, personal assistant, fashion consultant, carpet cleaner, time manager, dry cleaning specialist, first responder & cheerleader…oh, and I specialize in getting gum out of DVD players with only a blow drier & a paperclip!”

We need to stop minimizing our role as mothers. We need to recognize the effect we can have on this world by being good mothers. Heber J. Grant said, “I stand here today as the president of the Church because I have followed the advice and counsel and the burning testimony of the divinity of the work of God, which came to me from my mother.” We need to stop looking at our careers (because that’s really what motherhood is) as just moms and start looking at it as being the CEO of our families, because that’s truly what we are!

Most jobs don’t give a whole lot back…other than a paycheck. I’m sure someday (sooner than I’d probably like), I will get a few wrinkles around my eyes & get a little pudgy around my waistline…and then I’ll be “let go” from my job because the station wants to “go in a new direction”. But, I will NEVER be “let go” from my job as a mother. It may not be the easiest job in the world, but it’s a job that continues to give back to its employee…with slobbery kisses, tight hugs, funny Mothers Day presents & sweet little smiles…and maybe (if we’re lucky) a “thank you” now and again. And, it has an excellent pension plan (a.k.a. grandchildren).

10 comments:

Andrea said...

I love that. I think about this often. Have you read the book I am a mother by Jane Clayson Johnson. It reminded me of your post. Thank you for your inspiring words. I am so happy to have you as a part of the angel blog.
I love the pension... grandkids. So funny!!

Ashlee said...

I went to a 'Time Out For Women' conference a year and a half ago. Jane Clayson Johnson spoke and gave her life experience, now published in the book 'I Am A Mother'. It was awesome. I was 2 months from having my first child and getting ready to quit my job and start a new life. Her talk and book were a great inspiration for me! Thanks for sharing!!

Ashlee said...

oh.. I didn't realize Andrea had mentioned the book as well! Tells you how good it is hu!

Annalisa said...

i thought i was "just a mom" so thanks for this post, it made me smile.

Melanie said...

You know I am not a Mom..who knows when that will happen but I totally love what you just said! It is amazing to me how hard Moms work..my sister is one GREAT Mom!

Jeff and Alyssa Hertzler said...

Amen Lindsey! And awesome job on your first post. Thanks for the reminder of what I'm doing is important. Sometimes that gets lost in the shuffle!

Emily said...

I know this has already been mentioned . . . but your post reminded me of Jane Clayson's book as well (I just read it about six weeks ago). Thanks for reminding me how important being a mom is. I look forward to more posts! :)

Anonymous said...

Kudos on your first post! And Amen to all of that!

The Johnson Family said...

Thanks Lindsay! I have always thought that if a woman really and truly understood her value at home, she would hopefully never feel like it wasn't good enough! Knowing how the Lord views motherhood and womanhood has always given me enough strength to brave the zoo everyday!!!

Aquaspce said...

Great post... I can't wait until I can be "just a mom" instead of "just a mom" slash full time career woman too... then I think the "just a mom" part will fade into "I'm the mom."