The first time it looked like nothing stuck to the strings at all. Another dip, and they still looked clean. Patiently, the woman dunked them again, and again, and eventually I could see a film of wax building. Time after time the thin layers adhered to each other, and slowly the strings began to look like candles.
I've watched other women engaged in an old-fashioned art that also involves patience and repetition. It is mothering. Time after time they dip their kids in character building experiences---say "Please," "Thank you," "I'm sorry;" share your toys; pick up your coat; mind your dad; love your brother; don't whine; feed the dog; say your prayers---over and over again the same admonitions. At first it seems nothing is sticking. The kids are still the same. But eventually they begin to wax strong.
Each experience a child has in character building is like one more dip of the candle.
It is repetitious, it can become wearisome.
But it's worth it.
It is repetitious, it can become wearisome.
But it's worth it.
"Be not weary in well doing,
for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.
For out of small things proceedeth that which is great."
---D&C 64:33
for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.
For out of small things proceedeth that which is great."
---D&C 64:33
9 comments:
Amen! Thanks for this...sometimes the effect of what we're doing is imperceptible on a daily basis (sometimes it feels like I'm going backwards!). This is a great reminder that it really *does* have lasting impact. Happy New Year!
Just keep all that hard work away from the flame, huh?
Great analogy!!!
What a wonderful analogy!!!! And the photos are awesome!!!!!!
I love it!
Thank you for this post! I really needed to hear this today. Sometimes teaching a two-year-old simply feels like I am repeatedly bashing my head against a wall. I appreciate the perspective.
I love your analogies. We need to get them all put in one place - like a book!
Gorgeous.
I love this! Thank you!
Post a Comment