As the mother of four children under the age of 12, I have given housework a fair amount of thought…as it plays a considerable role in my days. Here are a few of my musings. Forgive me, if this is lengthy. 1. Physical work is one of our links to the rest of those on this planet. I feel that in America…there are many disconnects with regard to our culture and lifestyle when compared to how the rest of the world lives. Work can be a common denominator. It keeps us human and connected to those who are less fortunate. It keeps us connected to the WORLD truth that there is no life without work. 2. Housework can allow for mindfulness concerning our belongings or the stuff in our lives. If I can’t keep up with the housework in my home…maybe I have too many things to take care of or perhaps, I may inhabit too large of a space. I feel that if we are doing the upkeep for our stuff…we may tend to be more mindful of how much we have. Ideally-speaking, of course. If I have a house cleaner, I may not care as much or be able to see the connection. 3. Work is essential to joy. Anything worth anything requires work.It is the main language of our lives. It is THE common denominator. Instant gratification has little if no connection to joy. I want my children to have realistic expectations. They will grow up seeing my husband and myself work every day of our lives. At peace with this process. Doing our best. Finding joy in the slow, refining process of our character. And hopefully, if we are lucky, they will grow to hope for the same.
I do not judge those who have housekeepers. Many of my dearest friends do and they are wonderful mothers. My desire is only to offer a perspective of why one may not choose to have outside help when it can be such an enticing alternative.
2 comments
As the mother of four children under the age of 12, I have given housework a fair amount of thought…as it plays
a considerable role in my days. Here are a few of my musings. Forgive me, if this is lengthy.
1. Physical work is one of our links to the rest of those on this planet. I feel that in America…there are many disconnects with regard to our culture and lifestyle when compared to how the rest of the world lives. Work can be a common denominator. It keeps us human and connected to those who are less fortunate. It keeps us connected to the WORLD truth that there is no life without work.
2. Housework can allow for mindfulness concerning our belongings or the stuff in our lives. If I can’t keep up with the housework in my home…maybe I have too many things to take care of or perhaps, I may inhabit too large of a space. I feel that if we are doing the upkeep for our stuff…we may tend to be more mindful of how much we have. Ideally-speaking, of course. If I have a house cleaner, I may not care as much or be able to see the connection.
3. Work is essential to joy. Anything worth anything requires work.It is the main language of our lives. It is THE common denominator. Instant gratification has little if no connection to joy. I want my children to have realistic expectations. They will grow up seeing my husband and myself work every day of our lives. At peace with this process. Doing our best. Finding joy in the slow, refining process of our character. And hopefully, if we are lucky, they will grow to hope for the same.
I do not judge those who have housekeepers. Many of my dearest friends do and they are wonderful mothers. My desire is only to offer a perspective of why one may not choose to have outside help when it can be such an enticing alternative.
:)
Margi~
Thank you so much for adding your thoughts to the discussion!
:)