Just Thinking . . .

Happy Mother's Day!  (Photo/Bergeron Image)

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.”  I came across that straightforward aphorism a few days ago while reading an essay by Catharine A. Henningsen.  She acknowledges that this thought has been around for a long time – nothing new in the scheme of things.

Yet, it embodies such a powerful message that it bears more than just passing attention.  It has the quality of a mantra which, if stored in memory and repeated periodically, can be of great effectiveness in times of pressure and duress.

Henningsen puts it this way:  “Be present.  Do not be where you just came from.  Do not be where you are going next.  Show up and be here while you’re here.”

Most people tend not to think like that:  in this overly complex world, it sounds like too easy a formula.  Interestingly, I think it’s a quality that mothers have, one that becomes virtually necessary in their quotidian lives, as they struggle to meet the demands of their calling.

Moms constantly juggle the schedule of modern-era children.  They keep the household running smoothly when that task seems nearly impossible.  Some also work outside the home in an economic climate where one paycheck never seems to be enough.  Others carry the load alone.  Problems, etc., etc.

The notion of “doing what you can, where you are, with what you have” can appear to be much too simple to be effective, especially in today’s control-freak existence.  But it works.

There are some people for whom this approach comes naturally:  Understanding and forgiving, these are the ones who are easy to live with.  If you find someone in life who has this mindset, stick to that person like glue:  you are among the lucky ones.

Happy Mother’s Day.  You all deserve it.

Thanks for reading and have a good weekend.