Yesterday I was reading the book Plain and Simple by Sue Bender. Sue is an artist who became intrigued by the Amish lifestyle and spent time staying with them to learn about their culture and ways. While there she learned to live in the moment, to focus on the process and not just the product. For example, when canning tomatoes, enjoy the smell and feel of the fresh, ripe fruit, the warmth and sparkling of the clean jars, the satisfaction of filling them with home-grown produce, and so on. Sue talked about the methodical nature of the Amish that relaxes and enjoys the whole process, instead of rushing anxiously to the end to have something done.
That focus on process rather than product struck a chord with me. How ofter am I short with my children because I am too focused on getting things done? How often do I deny them the chance to work alongside me because I can work faster alone, or because I am sending everyone off to get their own jobs done?
Next I started thinking about the craft project I wanted to make them for Christmas. I had desired to make them wall hanging for their room with their name and photos on it, but unfortunately didn't get unpacked in time to make them. One of my goals for this week was to complete the hangings, although I am changing them a bit, as we have chosen a character trait and Scripture for each child for the year and I am incorporating them. However I digress. I realized that I have a daughter who loves time with Mummy, and loves crafts, and who would much rather make something with me than be presented with a gift from me. Tonight we spent some time together working on the wall hangings. She is very excited that they have become our secret project (the boys were given a choice of helping me or having their gift be a surprise and they both chose to be surprised). What a blessing to have that time with my daughter, hearing her animated chatter and her giggles as we completed each step. How precious the process!
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