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Sunday, September 2, 2007

Shadow (or Speaking of Labor)











Wherever Russ may be, there Luke is also. Particularly if Russ happens to be working on a project. Luke is there in an instant, rarely leaving the scene. Occasionally he merely supervises, but more often he is right there lending a 'helping hand.' He is at his best when given a special task, such as finding a certain tool or getting a bottle of water from the fridge for his parched father.

I love that Russ lets him help. I love that Russ is showing him the value of hard work. I love that they have a special relationship that will only increase over the years. I love that we are blessed to be out in the country, where there is an unending supply of 'projects.' We (my family) joke that Russ needs 'wilderness to hack at.' Well, I will add that all four of my boys need the experience and satisfaction that a good day of work brings. And rarely does a day of work satisfy as well as a job done for one's own home or family.

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die. ~Edward Kennedy

I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. ~Helen Keller

Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

2 comments:

carole said...

I love your photos - they'll only grow more precious as the years pass.

I feel grateful to have a husband who also is a hard worker. Will adores following him around and "helping" Dad. (Ian does too, but loses interest much more quickly.) Tim has told them about the principle, "If you don't work you don't eat," and Will has been known to say, "Yup - you know, if you don't eat, you don't work!" :)

Heidi said...

LOL! Isn't it funny how things come out when little kids are saying them. :) It's true, though. Hard to work if you haven't eaten, LOL.