I’m lousy at identifying trees. My neighbor has a ginormous – Maple? Green Ash? – tree in his front yard that creates the loveliest umbrella over our driveway. On a hot summer day (please let us have a few this year) there isn’t a better place to stand than on the shady cool cement of the driveway, with a dripping popsicle, under the dense lacy shade of that tree.
As we drive down our street, with a carload of groceries, a bike and a set of golf clubs, we can see that amazing tree from the first turn. It anchors the end of our block, marks our sanctuary, and protects us from the elements.
With the slightest breeze, that tree drops a bunch of twigs, leaves and tree bits all over the driveway.
I sweep the driveway, and the stuff is there again the next morning.
And I sweep, again, knowing that I could do this job every day and it will need to be done each day after that.
I remind myself that the sweeping is meditative, mindless, and cardiovascular.
I think of shopkeepers who take pride in their establishment. Remember back then? They could not open their door for business without sweeping the front step first, and cleaning the glass of the door. Then, and only then, the day’s business could begin.
We are so blessed by the presence of that old tree. It shades us in the summer, gives us piles of leaves to jump in during the fall and keeps us company while we shovel walks in the winter. In the spring, it rewards us with the unfolding of a new umbrella.
Its existence creates honest work that connects us to nature.
That, too, is a blessing.
What a lovely piece of writing. We all need to be reminded that work is a blessing. And I need to remember the shopkeeper’s priorities. I’m always so ready to hop into whatever it is I WANT to be doing for the day that I neglect what I SHOULD do. I’ll have to staple that one to my forehead.
Pat,
Sometimes I struggle with seeing the good side of work. And then I remind myself that I’m able-bodied, there are health benefits, and once in awhile I can even get my kids to pitch in.
Stay away from the stapler. ;)
I’ve been taught, and have also observed that with every positive there is a negative. I think its what creates balance in our lives.
I think the key is to not get stuck in either one, because regardless of how good or bad something is, that too shall pass.
You beautifully illustrated that in your post.
I intentionally read this post to my kids today. I didn’t preface it with anything. I just said, “Hey, you guys, I want to read this to you.”
When I finished, Will said, that could be about dad, too, right? And Jenny said, “What if there’s more good than bad?”
We often talk about how everything has a positive and a negative side.
The trick is finding that balance.
It’s always so nice to hear from you, Donna.
I just re-read this post and remembered the last time I swept my kitchen floor. Sweeping can be meditative and mindless. And if you have an almost-one-year-old hot on your heels, it is definitely cardiovascular. I found myself quickly sweeping one part of the kitchen and catching it in a dustpan before that little girl got to the dirt and crumbs pile. Then I’d start as far away from her as I could and sweep madly again as she crawled quickly ever closer. (This story has absolutely nothing to do with the main message of your post. On the other hand, it IS about sweeping. Hope that counts.)
Pat,
On the contrary, when there is a one year old afoot, it’s all about them – especially that little cutey that visits your home regularly.
I seriously miss that phase.