Abbey Marie
12-03-2007, 03:34 PM
As we approach the end of yet another year (and for me, another birthday) I cannot help but think about the passing of time. And with that, thougts always turn to how that time was spent. They say that no one ever cries out on their death bed that they wished they spent more time at work. Yet we must work to survive; to pay "the bills".
That eternal dichotomy haunts many of us. Work might be 70 hours in an office, trying to meet billable hours. It might be driving a truck long distances to make ends meet. It might be cleaning, cooking, laundering and shopping. It can be whatever keeps us from spending time with our children, or from pursuing enjoyable activites, whatever those might be.
I do spend a lot of time with my husband and my daughter- at least I think so! We find time for talks, games, and meals together. But I am sure I could do a lot more. I look at Darin's wife doing all of those things for her family, for example, and I think, now there's a great wife and mom. Comparisons are often deadly to self-esteem, aren't they?
Eventually, I think about the time I spend HERE, and I wonder if it is time well-spent. Sometimes, when things are really testy and cynical, I think that it may not be. But then I think how knowledgable I am about current events, to a degree I never was before. I think about the sweet e-friends I have made. I think about all the things I have learned (some of which I wish I hadn't, to be honest). And ultimately, I think debate keeps the mind sharp, and writing skills up. I believe that with anything, you get out of a message board what you put into it. If we honestly put ourselves into it, and try to express opinions with respect, I think we reap rewards.
So, I have no earth-shattering conclusions, except that I hope to be a better Christian, a better wife, mother, friend (and poster!) next year. As JohnDoe always likes to remind me, on the board, some of us are representing Christianity (and I would add, American culture) to many people. I hope to remember that there are many impressionable eyes out there reading what I write.
Thank you to those who have been friends to me (you know who you are), and to those who have taught me (you may be surprised who you are) and to Jim for letting me have the unforgettable experience of moderating a board full of VERY strong personalities. You definitely know who you are!
That eternal dichotomy haunts many of us. Work might be 70 hours in an office, trying to meet billable hours. It might be driving a truck long distances to make ends meet. It might be cleaning, cooking, laundering and shopping. It can be whatever keeps us from spending time with our children, or from pursuing enjoyable activites, whatever those might be.
I do spend a lot of time with my husband and my daughter- at least I think so! We find time for talks, games, and meals together. But I am sure I could do a lot more. I look at Darin's wife doing all of those things for her family, for example, and I think, now there's a great wife and mom. Comparisons are often deadly to self-esteem, aren't they?
Eventually, I think about the time I spend HERE, and I wonder if it is time well-spent. Sometimes, when things are really testy and cynical, I think that it may not be. But then I think how knowledgable I am about current events, to a degree I never was before. I think about the sweet e-friends I have made. I think about all the things I have learned (some of which I wish I hadn't, to be honest). And ultimately, I think debate keeps the mind sharp, and writing skills up. I believe that with anything, you get out of a message board what you put into it. If we honestly put ourselves into it, and try to express opinions with respect, I think we reap rewards.
So, I have no earth-shattering conclusions, except that I hope to be a better Christian, a better wife, mother, friend (and poster!) next year. As JohnDoe always likes to remind me, on the board, some of us are representing Christianity (and I would add, American culture) to many people. I hope to remember that there are many impressionable eyes out there reading what I write.
Thank you to those who have been friends to me (you know who you are), and to those who have taught me (you may be surprised who you are) and to Jim for letting me have the unforgettable experience of moderating a board full of VERY strong personalities. You definitely know who you are!