Proverbs 31

31: Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

*When my husband and I first got married, we both worked for the same company.  We had already agreed that when we were blessed with children, I would quit and stay home.  I was in the "outside world" for 3 years until our oldest came along.  At that time, we cut our income almost in half so that I could stay home.  After the initial "glory and glow" of being a brand new mother wore off a little, the realization came that my "new" job was going to be harder, the hours longer, the financial gains-zip, and the "rewards"-VERY different.

Now, almost 21 years and 4 kids after Kyra, my outlook is VERY different.  Occassionally, an email will filter through about the "worth" of today's mom.  In "outside world" terms I am worth about $213,000.00 a year and I work about 110 hours a week (check your's out at http://swz.salary.com/momsalarywizard/htmls/mswl_momcenter.html ).  I laugh.  I am paid in hugs and kisses, watching my children graduate and move confidently into their new "adult" lives, one even living on the other side of the world in Japan, well mannered, Christian living, healthy, loving, laughing and smiles.  Through thick and thin, God has provided "financially" and spiritually.  I am paid in something worth so much more that metal coins or paper dollars.  I am paid when people approach me and tell me what great children I have.  I am paid when people tell me how glad they were that my husband has been able to help with church activitities.

Priceless