Monday, June 16, 2008

Moving Mountains

"A woman knows life takes shape in big and small spaces and the movement in between. When we're simply ourselves, in the everyday act of being, we don't have to move mountains or make miracles, but sometimes we do anyway."

- Eileen Fisher


Think about it. In our day-to-day lives as wives and mothers, it's not always apparent that we're making difference. We move mountains all right, mountains of laundry, mountains of dishes and meals enough to feed armies. A thankless job is our specialty and we do it because, like the mountain climbers say, "It's there." Does anyone care that we've taken our commitment and our jobs seriously?

The Farmer and I consciously raised our children in an environment that I'll term an "entitlement free zone." They always say thank you for even the smallest favors and they're sincere. We've tried to show them through example that you only get from point A to point G by working through every step in between. And we never gave up. Ever. Believe me there were some tough times that made us both want to throw our hands in the air and say, "Enough!" But commitment doesn't mean just sticking around for the shining moments but for slogging through the most difficult times. Children learn commitment by watching it up close and personal.

I'm saying these things to point out the importance of making conscious decisions about our values and our ethics. Those decisions become a family operating manual or a mission statement.

Our lives and our work as parents can be incredibly ordinary and unappreciated. But there are those moments when we can stand back and take stock of what we've accomplished. And that's when we discover that indeed, in those everyday acts of being, we have moved mountains and made miracles happen.

14 comments:

Chris said...

Wonderful post Suzanne!

Janet said...

Thanks Suzanne; sometimes we need a reminder that we *do* make a difference.

Janet

Paula B. said...

Excellent encouragement, thank you.

Vee said...

"Ordinary miracles" comes to mind...

Very thoughtful post...thought-provoking, too.

Mary said...

Amen, sister!
xoxo,
Mary

Heather said...

So beautiful and such a good reminder to be an example. I have eight little ears of future mothers and wives listening to everything I say and little eyes watching everything I do. I try to be so careful and conscious, but it's always good to remember that it'll pay off one day.

BittersweetPunkin said...

Great post!
Have a great day!
Hugs,
Robin

Anonymous said...

Hello Suzanne, I didn't expect such a wonderfully written, thought provoking, wake up call, post. I wish all young parents could read what you have put on paper today. We raised five children and I realize what mountains we have moved to see my children grown, who are wonderful parents in their own right. It was no easy task. The rewards are endless.

Thanks for your insight to an age old problem, raising children .

Keep writing, Jeanne

Courtney said...

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Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

so true! thanks for the lovely post and reminder!

Vie Chaotique said...

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Sabina said...

Yet another wonderful post Suzanne and so true!!

C.C. said...

I really love this post! I love the idea of "entitlement free zone" and showing gratitude for "even the smallest favors". Very nice post, Suzanne! Take care.

Suzanne said...

Thanks for the wonderful comments. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to leave a note. I am a firm believer that children live by example. The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree so we need to decide what kind of tree that will be.

Vie Chaotique - Shannon at Eightcrazy Design did my new blog frock. I'm glad you like it.

- Suzanne