Over at Homestead Blessings there is a quote from a little book entitled "The Royal Path to Life." This is the quote on the importance of home:
Our very nature demands home. It is the first essential element of our social being. This cannot be complete without home relations. There would be no proper equilibrium of life and character without the home influence. The heart bereaved and disappointed, naturally turns for refuge to home life. No spot is so attractive to the wary one: it is the heart's moral oasis. There is a mother's watchful love and a father's sustaining influence. There is a husband's protection and a wife's tender sympathy. There is a circle of loving brothers and sisters happy in each other's love. Oh what is life without these!
Isn't that a lovely quote?
So, anyhow, this one quote resulted in my ordering the book, an 1880 edition, which is just wonderful! There are short sections on all aspects of the character, from the importance of honor to an admonishment to avoid being a "grumbler and fretter!" Let me tell you, that last one really talked to me! The past few weeks, the Mister has been home with yet another shoulder injury (he seems to be gravitationally challenged) and it has been hard to keep a good demeanor with the lack of time to do those things I need to do. It seems that nothing gets done as I want it and it is tough to have an unwilling patient.
When I read the section on "grumbling and fretting" I saw myself in a light that made me blush. One of the key quotes was this:
The grumbler and fretter find that all of life is about them. It is not about the other person, which they seem to direct their attention to, but rather it is how that person effects them.
Holy moly, folks, does that shoe fit or what?
So, if you are a grumbler, stop looking at and blaming others for your own deficiencies and faults and begin by tending your own shortcomings. You will find that others will no longer avoid your company and that you will be a happier and more content person.
I hadn't really considered myself a grumbler, but when I read these section, I could see how I am as well as how this fault could slip in through the back door, so to speak. So, I consider myself told!
Have you read anything lately that inspires you to think about life differently?
OOOooo I love the grumbler and fretter quote.. Its so easy to do but like it says it is self-centered. I also agree whole-heartedly about the importance of home!!
ReplyDeleteWe are up to our eyeballs in school so that has been ALL of our reading lately..
Hi Matty, I loved your thought-provoking post today! Isn't that funny how it seems we always stumble onto something just when we need it? I am always so encouraged by reading Alexandra Stoddard's books. Sometimes because of my health conditions, the physical pain I feel is so unrelenting that everything in my life starts to look gray. Her writings always remind me to look for and appreciate the beauty around me even if it means just taking a moment to notice "the rainbows in the soap bubbles while I am washing the dishes". That little shift in attitude makes all the different in the world to me sometimes! She also encourages having an attitude that hopes and looks for the best in life and people. Have a lovely evening ahead! Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteWell I can see that I have another order from Amazon building in "my cart". What a spot-on perspective on the home - and on grumbling! I need more from that book!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, Matty!
Oops...I just did! LOL Boy, that quote was written for me! Cool quotes!
ReplyDelete