May 12, 2007
Newsletter Archives

According to research released last Wednesday, the typical stay-at-home mother in the United States would earn $138,095 a year if she were paid for her work as a housekeeper, cook and psychologist among other roles. The 10 jobs listed as comprising a mother’s work were housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, laundry machine operator, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist. Apparently the typical mother puts in a 92-hour work week, working 40 hours at base pay and 52 hours overtime.
But the Bible actually gives a mother a much higher price tag. It asks, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” Proverbs 31:10. Someone might wonder why the Bible doesn’t say that a mother is more priceless than diamonds. The fact is that rubies are more valuable than the best diamonds. Hence the Bible places the absolutely highest value on a mother’s person and work.
The record price for a ruby sold at auction is a 16 carat ruby which sold for $227,301 per carat at Sotheby’s in 1988. In contrast a flawless pear-shaped diamond of 102 carats, fetched a mere $125,000 per carat in the past number of years.
But a mother’s worth and influence are priceless, when we think of the influence of a mother on the life of a child….and on a nation. It is an old truism that “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Who can put a price on that?
No doubt, there are many younger mothers for whom the fruit of their labors will take many years to ripen. The daily grind clouds the horizon and makes it hard to see the distant goal. But in due time the harvest will come.
The apostle Paul leaves encouraging words for every person who struggles. But they are particularly appropriate for younger mother’s at this time of year. He states: “and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Russ Nesbit