On My Mind

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I value. And how my words and actions should reflect what I value most. Let me give you a few examples.

Throughout junior high and high school my parents faithfully paid for me to take voice lessons. I loved taking voice lessons. Learning to improve my voice was important to me; or at least that's what I thought. It wasn't until years later when I was paying for my own voice lessons that I learned how much I valued them (or didn't). I rarely practiced when my parents were the ones footing the bill. However, when I was the one writing the checks, practicing and taking my lessons more seriously became a priority.

I value motherhood. I hope that is reflected in my actions. I have children (and one more on the way). I've decided to forgo pursuing a career to stay home and delve into the world of my childrens' lives. I hope that this shows that I value being a mom. I'm not a perfect mom! I know plenty of women who have struggled with the choice between being home or going to work. And some career moms are probably far better mothers than I am. But I value motherhood. I hope that my children know that and that the people I come in contact with know that.

I value healthy living. I think our bodies are sacred and we need to be taking care of them. But gosh, I love chocolate! It is a regular part of my diet. (And might I add, all sorts of other sugary, salty snacks.) So the question I've been asking myself of late: Do I value chocolate more than healthy living? Well, my actions are saying yes.

Hopefully these things illustrate what is on my mind. Am I demonstrating through my words and actions what I value? Because when my words and actions don't reflect what I profess to value, then I obviously have placed something else as a higher priority. It is probably something we all struggle with. It is hard to clearly define what we value when there are things that both seem good. However, I believe what I value most dearly will (and should) win out in my thoughts, words and actions. I've come to see this is reflected in all I value whether it be physically, politically, morally, or spiritually.

If you have gotten to the end of this and are wondering why I wrote all this, like I said, it has just been something on my mind. Thanks for letting me get it out.