Susan has inspired me again. She put words to what I have long felt but couldn't articulate well:
"I think it's good to be aware of what is happening in the world and then to do whatever we need to do (or can do) to care, to help those who need help, and to bring about change. But I also think it's wise and good to continue to find joy and beauty in the daily blessings, as long as we have them. To refuse to be all-consumed with circumstances, to overworry about them, and to focus on them so intensely that it keeps us preoccupied or brings us low.
In fact, I think there is something
beautiful about a person who can carry on well, with a lovely spirit, in spite of difficulties, big or small, both in the bigger world, and in their personal lives. Those who continue with traditions, rituals, and routines, making the most of what is available at a given time. Those who choose gratitude and trust in the Lord rather than fearfulness and complaining, either about what might happen or about what is happening."As I told her, I sometimes worried about appearing superficial for going on about home and family. Why not be politically or environmentally 'active' or the like? As one commenter suggested, maybe I just "don't understand" the importance of these issues. No, it isn't that. It's what Susan said. <g> We assess, we make appropriate changes where we can, and then we carry on.
Our primary role as a maker of a home and tender of a family is to maintain those 'rituals and routines' she mentions. They are common, yes, and so very ordinary. Then again so is breathing… I know my sphere of influence. I am not likely to impact the political world much, regardless of how much I chatter. What I do here DOES impact many people in very concrete ways however. While I mean little to the big world, I mean everything in the world to a few small people who look to me for their cues. How we carry on before them not only determines the tempo and quality of their days but it sends a strong message about trust, about composure, and about how to face difficult circumstances – of which they will no doubt experience a fair share in their lives.
Ours is less about controlling our circumstances than about choosing how we will respond to them. I hope that more often than not that these little eyes see us responding with a certain amount of grace and confidence. I hope they see us focusing on the blessing and choosing joy. I hope they see a smile more often than a grimace. Writing like Susan's helps to keep me moving in that direction.
The formative period for building character for eternity is in the nursery. The mother is queen of that realm and sways a scepter more potent than that of kings or priests. ~Author Unknown
*don't miss her entire series on the Slow Life!
Starry Sky Journal 
Oh, Kim, too funny! I was just going to send you a note by email, but I decided to swing by your blog first. And you are so kind. We’ve talked about this before, but I appreciate what you said in this post. Very encouraging, as always.
I’ll just go ahead and tell you what I was going to say in an email. I sent my oldest daughter to your blog yesterday because she was looking into Montessori education. I told her you have a great blog that includes a lot of excellent, concise Montessori information. She came by, and she loved it. So, thanks, Kim. 🙂
By the way, I’ve been enjoying all of your posts lately. Love all of the photos and family stories as well as the sharing of your thoughts.
Susan
I just love when I “happen” upon a blog that helps me firm up thoughts I’ve been having all afternoon. Unfortunately I spent an hour this morning reading about and watching all kinds of videos about the many things that are plaguing our country and our world. It is so easy to get caught up in all of it. I have to keep reminding myself that all we have is this very moment – nothing else. Therefore, all we need to focus on is doing God’s will for us in the here and now. If we keep in touch with Him, He will keep in touch with us, come what may. Thanks for the great reminder.
God Bless!
Thank you, Kim for this reminder. I have been getting very depressed about things and feeling very helpless lately. I need to remember that while I may feel powerless in the big wide world, I am very powerful in my own little sphere.
And truly that is what really matters.
I’ve been having a hard time not getting too upset about this election, and when I read the original post on Susan’s blog, I thought, “Weeeell, yes, but…”
(Something my mother and grandmother taught me is along those same lines: “Do what needs to be done, then get on with things.” That mindset has gotten me through some really difficult times, but I do tend to worry and get overly dramatic about things I really have no control over.)
Then when I saw your post, I had to admit maybe Somebody was trying to tell me something. :o) Focusing on the blessing and choosing joy is something I have been working on. Thanks for the reinforcement!