Today after my kids went to bed I hurried out to mow my lawn
(I know, it's Sunday and I'm a heathen- sue me).
After I got done I saw my cute little 80 year old neighbor lady, who is named Cotton, so I went to say hello to her. She is darling and has lived in her house since it was built in 1955. She is out nearly every night with pruning shears or garden gloves, working and maintaining her yard. I'm out there a lot at night too, since my kiddos are in bed and it's a little cooler after 8 pm. When we got done talking she smiled at me and said, "Ya know, I like you. You're like me, you're not afraid of hard work."
Honestly, it was one of the best compliments I've ever received. Don't get me wrong, I'm lazy and slothful most of the time, but it made me feel good that she noticed that one thing. And I love that she values that! She also said to me "That's just how I was raised. If you didn't work, you didn't eat!" CLASSIC!
I'm trying my best to teach my kids the value of working hard, although I'm not always a good teacher. Sometimes it's easier to do it for them, rather than letting them work it out on their own, but I'm trying. Today I made CJ pick up her room before she got to watch Busytown cartoons..... go me.
And, just 'cause I LOVE me some Gordon B., here's a little quote to inspire you. It's one of my all time favorites.
" I believe in the gospel of work. There is no substitute for productive labor. It is the process by which dreams become realities. It is the process by which idle visions become dynamic achievements. It is stretching our minds and utilizing the skills of our hands that lift us from mediocrity."
Gordon B Hinckley
and ps- is that the correct spelling of his last name? I never remember...
1 comment:
Loved this post. But, first off, have you seen her again since we were there? Text me and let me know.
Also, loving her values that are so sadly "old-fashioned" these days. But way to try to change that with your kids!
Also again, big fan of the Hinckley quote. (Yes, you spelled his name right.) In our "Stand a Little Taller" book with his quotes that quote is in there, but it says "...the stagnation of mediocrity." I can't find it anywhere else except for our book, so I wonder if he added it when compiling the book. (At least I hope it was him that wanted it added in and not the publishing company just doing it on their own!) I love the imagery that the word stagnation brings to it.
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