Comments on: Contemplating work

By: Sahamamama

Sahamamama — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:21:54 +0000

Sahamamama — Translated, that means I am the mother of SArah, HAnnah, and MAry, our three little blessings. Sarah is not quite 3 years old, while twins Hannah and Mary will be one year old tomorrow. The past year has been challenging in some ways… I keep thinking that the “routine” will change, become easier, more interesting, or something, anything to break up the monotony of my days… but the work of caring for my family and managing the home is my daily drill.

Thank you, Susan, for writing this post. I will be contemplating “the requirements of [my] work” as coming from the will of God. If I am supposed to change a loaded diaper or read a book (The Story About Ping, again!) or sing a song (Deep and Wide), then I will be obeying God if I am true to the task I am performing.

I want to do this work carefully and well, with love and respect for the nature of my task — the work of being a mother. I want to lay a deep foundation of love and faith and learning in my daughters’ hearts, which means I have to be emotionally and spiritually available to them. For some reason, in the past few days I’ve found it hard to wrap my heart around loving three lovable little girls who seem to need more “Mama” than there is. Why isn’t there more of me? Why do I resist sharing my “mental space” with them lately? I don’t know why.

But as I read Merton’s words, I’m reminded that this work IS God’s work for me right now, with all the ups and downs and so-called interruptions of my precious and currently non-existent thought-life. Can I let go of the need to be alone with a thought, and be in the moment with this beautiful child? SHE IS THE THOUGHT I MUST THINK. Can I do that? Yes, I can, by the grace God gives… and for a price. I can “become his instrument.” Thank you, Susan.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:47:14 +0000

Wow.
I’ve always blindly accepted the fact that, since God wishes us to work, that work is Godly, but I never thought of the contemplative nature of work and how its contemplation is also Godly.
Very cool.
Happy holidays and a prosperous and healthy new year to all Bauers!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:58:57 +0000

Thank you for sharing this! I’m glad I took the time in my frantic day to stop and read this blog posting! It gave new meaning and perspective to thie things I have left to do!

By: mary kathryn

mary kathryn — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:57:26 +0000

I love Herbert. I have my students memorize some of his poetry.

By: Trish

Trish — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:28:45 +0000

Oh wow, what appropriate timing for me. I so needed to read this post today. I am at the “end of the line, full stop, period” with work, freelancing, writing, studying, preparation for the holidays, you name it. I read this, took a deep breath, and then went back to my to-do list determined to do it for the right reason.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours, Susan. And may I say thank you for your writing, your vision, this blog, and your example. You’ve inspired me this past year more than I can articulate. I’m back to school, writing more than ever, and reaching for a quiet life that accomplishes the things dearest to my heart. My husband has noticed and remarked at how much I love doing what I do. Thank you!