My neighbor referred me to her 92 year old friend. She is downsizing to an apartment and requested my services and advice on what to do with her personal property. While visiting with her the other day, we were sharing stories of our children and she her grandchildren. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong generation. This woman of 92 and I had so many common ideals of family values.
As I went on and on about my girls, I stopped and said "well, I'll quit bragging now..." She laughed and said, "that's not bragging, you're just proud of your accomplishments."
I have thought about that one statement, "proud of your accomplishments??" I wasn't talking about anything I did, I was telling her about of my girls. But, actually, she had a very good point. How wise of this old woman. Let me explain what I think she meant.
I have several friends, former co-workers, class mates and such who have had very successful careers. Promotions, accolades, awards, two window corner office stuff, that represents their 25 or so years of work. Good for them, they worked hard for those achievements, to reach a pinnacle in their chosen profession. I am truly happy for them.
However, my chosen profession was a stay-at-home mom. I am so thankful, the Lord provided a way for me to do it. I did work part time for several years when the girls were little. I will never forget the first day I stayed home ALL day with them - like heaven.
As I look back at my "career" - no two window corner office, no promotion, no raise, really, not even a pat on the back. Now, I wasn't looking for one either. But, that one statement from this kind old lady, had me thinking...what are my accomplishment, the fruits of my labor?
(light bulb moment)...Silly me, it's my girls and all of their accomplishments. Oh, this made me so happy to think that the time, sweat, tears and prayers I put into them and what they make of themselves IS my accolade, award and reward.
I never thought of it like that. I don't want this to sound like I am claiming any of their achievements - I could never do what they have done to achieve them. They both are such dedicated, hard-working women. However, I will take claim to the time and effort I put in them to mold them that way.
Now that I've been promoted to an empty nester, let me share some advice. If you are at home with littles, in the middle of a messy house, sink full of dishes, baskets of laundry - go grab those children, kiss em and get outside and play. Those chores will still be there, even after they are gone.
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Linked to: http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_23.html
As I went on and on about my girls, I stopped and said "well, I'll quit bragging now..." She laughed and said, "that's not bragging, you're just proud of your accomplishments."
I have thought about that one statement, "proud of your accomplishments??" I wasn't talking about anything I did, I was telling her about of my girls. But, actually, she had a very good point. How wise of this old woman. Let me explain what I think she meant.
I have several friends, former co-workers, class mates and such who have had very successful careers. Promotions, accolades, awards, two window corner office stuff, that represents their 25 or so years of work. Good for them, they worked hard for those achievements, to reach a pinnacle in their chosen profession. I am truly happy for them.
However, my chosen profession was a stay-at-home mom. I am so thankful, the Lord provided a way for me to do it. I did work part time for several years when the girls were little. I will never forget the first day I stayed home ALL day with them - like heaven.
As I look back at my "career" - no two window corner office, no promotion, no raise, really, not even a pat on the back. Now, I wasn't looking for one either. But, that one statement from this kind old lady, had me thinking...what are my accomplishment, the fruits of my labor?
(light bulb moment)...Silly me, it's my girls and all of their accomplishments. Oh, this made me so happy to think that the time, sweat, tears and prayers I put into them and what they make of themselves IS my accolade, award and reward.
I never thought of it like that. I don't want this to sound like I am claiming any of their achievements - I could never do what they have done to achieve them. They both are such dedicated, hard-working women. However, I will take claim to the time and effort I put in them to mold them that way.
Now that I've been promoted to an empty nester, let me share some advice. If you are at home with littles, in the middle of a messy house, sink full of dishes, baskets of laundry - go grab those children, kiss em and get outside and play. Those chores will still be there, even after they are gone.
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Linked to: http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_23.html
:) And it's far reaching to all the little ones I work with too!
ReplyDeleteSooo good! I was tearing up while reading! 😘
ReplyDeletei like that perspective. :)
ReplyDeleteSound advice indeed. I loved that job of stay at home Mom. Hug b
ReplyDeleteI love this. Its so hard some days (as a mom home with littles) to remember that what we are doing here each day matters. Thank you so much for the reminder that I needed already on this stressful Monday morning!
ReplyDelete