By Kristine Schroeder
Lessons Learned
“Either we learn to find the Lord in the ordinary everyday life, or else we shall never find Him” (St. Josemaria Escriva).
My aunt Clara Mae died a few weeks ago. We lost her husband, my uncle John, two years past. As I told five children – Paula, Gene, Kevin, Laura and Tricia – the world needs more people like their generation. They worked hard, played joyfully, kept their commitments and especially lived their Catholic faith. While there is no pedestal here, they truly were everyday models of what a Christian life should be.
Many people of their generation had a work ethic that was both epic and admirable. That may have developed from a farm upbringing and/or surviving the harsh times of the Depression. Whatever the reasons, it served them well. Lessons from their lives would benefit our current society.
Unfortunately, today’s world often discourages the idea of work, particularly physical labor, giving it a bad rap. Many parents of our generation have allowed their children the benefits of an easy existence without the expectations of earning that ease. That enabling philosophy has had harmful effects in our modern world.
Jesus came into existence not as a person of power and position, but as a common man. His father Joseph was a carpenter and passed that skill on to his son. His mother Mary was a housewife and mother, a difficult, demanding task 2000 years ago. Jesus’ humble upbringing allowed him to understand the stress and strains of everyday life as well as the value of an honest day’s wages. The necessity of work offers many positive benefits.
Work teaches us to empathize with others, especially those in countries where the standard of living is low. When we mow our grass, plant a garden, cook a meal or wash dishes manually, we have a glimpse of how three-fourths of the world’s people live. With no power tools, air conditioning, or outside help to ease the burdens of life, they toil under all types of weather conditions with little respite available. Perhaps that awareness will increase our generosity to the less fortunate.
Work teaches responsibility. When my siblings and I set off for college, we were given a fourth of the cost of our education and expected to earn the rest. If we wanted more than the basic clothes and needs, it was ours to earn. We quickly learned to be both frugal and careful with what we owned. Those lessons, in turn, taught us to respect the belongings of our neighbors as well.
Work instills a sense of accomplishment and pride. Often, when children are given all they desire without expectation of contributing to said items, there is little lingering satisfaction. Momentarily, that iPad, the outfit, or even a car fulfills a want, but soon the positive feeling passes and a new need arises. On the other hand, when we work and save to earn a desired item, we experience pleasure and pride in our ability to supply our own needs.
Having a job often means forgoing or delaying an enjoyable activity. As a nurse, my mother was expected to work some holidays. Many times Christmas was celebrated on the Eve because Mom had to report the following day. Never complaining, she reminded us, “People need nurses every day. Sickness isn’t selective.” Witnessing her dedication taught us children the value of commitment and delayed gratification.
Recently, I finished the book “Mapping the Farm,” a 100-year history of a Minnesota farm family. One of the most notable changes on the farm was how modern machinery (while a welcome benefit in many ways) made farming more of an individual occupation rather than a community affair. Before machinery, neighbors assisted each other in everyday chores. In a simpler example, I reflected on our Thanksgivings of 80+ people. The adult table was always set with real dishes, silverware, water and wine glasses. Washing the dishes afterwards became an integral part of the celebration with people visiting and shouting, “Now it’s my shift.” Working together creates community.
Ultimately, work is an invitation to grow in humility and holiness. Let us not deny future generations of this blessed opportunity to evolve more into Christ’s image.