"I'm going to need some help next week." The statement was followed by a work schedule, accompanied by the comment, "Is that going to work for you?" For almost 10 years, my reply has been "Yes. It works, it always works." It has and it does. Being a go-to childcare Grandma has been a priority ever since the almost-10-year-old was born. Actually, being an available Grandmother for any of my grandgirls has been a priority, regardless of the need, since I became one. In essence it has meant being responsive to my daughters, not just in word but in deed as well.
Family first. That is the credo of a life-long friend of mine, a friendship that stretches back over 45 years. Her own childhood family did not exercise that philosophy. As an adult it was put in play in her life and, resoundingly, it has passed the test of time. You'll not find a family anywhere that is as loyal and yet honest toward one another, as supportive, or as willing to work together, fight for one another. They truly are a unit, a family. It is that philosophy that I have adopted as well with that goal in mind.
Once again, I have been thinking--this time about what "the test of time" really is, what it means. So often words or phrases come out of my mouth, and I know the concept, the base of what I mean, but I have never taken the time to examine them, to evaluate them. In my mind, the test of time is anything that holds up over time. It does not need to be propped up or constantly fed; it stands on its own, not only standing, but becoming stronger and more solid as time goes on. It is not forced, but natural.
Friendships, relationships--those that just are. They are the opposite of the high maintenance ones, and we all know the toxicity, the brevity of those. I am talking about the ones we can return to regardless of passing time or personal input. For me, one that is over 45 years old and others as well, including a friendship and relationship with my Creator, the One who made me. Lifestyle principles--the way in which each and every one of us live our lives. Often these are the result of a point in our lives where we have an experience and make a decision to live differently. For example, living without judgment of others; viewing life with a positive outlook rather than cynicism; embracing change rather than resisting it. The list is unlimited, and I have no doubt you all have your own experience to draw from. Speaking for myself, I am delighted that, at some point, humor and laughter has become part of my life rather than sarcasm and derogatory comments.
I can cite an endless litany of areas in my life that do not pass the test of time: resisting the urge to go to bin #2001 in the bulk food department at the grocery store when I have a sugar attack, staying on top of the weeds in my garden, dealing with the variety of tasks both within and outside of my home, making time to visit several of my former clients who have taken residence in assisted living homes. Yes, endless, but that is why I am aware of the difference. While I do not make New Year's resolutions, those, along with other commitments to change a habit, would fall in the category of failing the test of time as well.
In answering my daughter's request for help I told her that our working relationship has passed the test of time, and it has. In my gardening business my cliente'le know the importance of my family. They always respond to the need to flex, to adjust, or change my schedule in order to meet the needs of children and grandchildren, of my family. In these past 10 years there has never been a time when either my family or my clients have been left hanging. That is why I am able to say this priceless philosophy, that of family first, has passed the test of time and is a worthwhile one.
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