This morning I was thinking of daylight work and my family's productivity during those waking hours. Actually I've been thinking about it quite a lot during the last couple of weeks. Though I expected my sons to return home for my daughter's wedding, I was not quite expecting that they would all stay with me as they try to decide their "next step" as they make their way in the world. We often pass each other in the morning as I wake and they go to bed. Unfortunately it is not because they have been up all night doing a rotation at the hospital as a medical intern. I join with many parents around the world and exclaim, "Get a job! Go to school! Do something! Please!
I know that is judgmental and harsh. I know many people do their best work at night-they are most creative-most productive. Many people have to work at night to serve their fellowman. I don't think it has always been the case. Electricity lights up the skyline. In the olden days when the sun went down-I imagine everyone just went to sleep-it was dark and cold. Without light, how are you supposed to find your way around in the dark without fumbling around, tripping or encountering danger on every side? We need to see what we're doing-see what's around us. How do you know what to pay attention to in the dark? Now cell phones, computer, TV, video games grab people's attention through all hours of the night. Flashing night club lights, live music, stores and fast food open 24 hours a day-nightlife has become analogous for "fun" and "excitement". Daylight is "boring." Turn on the lights and all of a sudden it doesn't seem so fun anymore-people aren't as attractive as they were in the dark. But there are other lights that always seem to be on- electronic devices to make it through the night-My son just found an app (Periscope) that allows you to cast your cell phone around the world so others can actually see what you are seeing on your cell phone (like going on a hike, watching an event-anything) and interact with you- talk about instant connection and world exposure! Unplug from our devices and suddenly we're alone-no connection with the outside world. Yet with or without electricity, people have always found something to do in the dark-sometimes things you wouldn't dream of doing in the day. Night is a great cover even if it's just a dark private room in a home. Some people wouldn't dream of living in a city without an exciting nightlife. Isn't Las Vegas still billed as the city that never sleeps? Take away all the substances that impair executive brain functioning or illicit sexual activities that give that great dopamine high-then what do you do? Consequences usually come in the morning. Maybe some people's way to skirt around that issue is just not have any mornings-sleep through them. I don't know-I just like day.
My life is made up of days. Each day includes both day and night and what I choose to pay attention in each waking hour. There is work to be done-and probably for me, this work will be done during daylight hours. I chime in with the hymn, "There is Work Enough to do Ere the Sun Goes Down." All these days and nights are a gift from a gracious God as "space granted unto man in which he might repent." I get to repent. It is a privilege. I get to change for the better. I feel the truth in Alma's words,"...after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed." Day labor is important.
My children's productivity or lack thereof is constant source of glory or shame for me as a parent. I know they have their agency, but I also know I am a piece of their biological and environmental underpinnings that influence their choices; I think how I could have raised them differently to help them be happier and more productive. Their uncertainty and confusion weighs heavily on my heart-to the point that it is most difficult to focus on the positive and be my "bright sunny self." I need energy to understand and support them; it surely isn't going to come from my son's can of "RockStar" energy drink though I do admit that powering up with a"star" has some validity, especially if it's our star...the sun.
As I was driving to work on Friday past a large green hay field, the morning sun pierced my eyes through the windshield and filled my heart with gratitude and filled my eyes with tears. It reminded me in the most powerful, attention getting, "shine the light on me" way to focus on the positive and think "How blessed I am!" I'm so grateful for the sun-the source of daylight. Light really does dispel the darkness. Light really does make the heavy load seem lighter. Light lifts in every way. Light propels me forward with hope for the future. Light helps me work during the day. Light is Life. Daylight work is wonderful.
I know that is judgmental and harsh. I know many people do their best work at night-they are most creative-most productive. Many people have to work at night to serve their fellowman. I don't think it has always been the case. Electricity lights up the skyline. In the olden days when the sun went down-I imagine everyone just went to sleep-it was dark and cold. Without light, how are you supposed to find your way around in the dark without fumbling around, tripping or encountering danger on every side? We need to see what we're doing-see what's around us. How do you know what to pay attention to in the dark? Now cell phones, computer, TV, video games grab people's attention through all hours of the night. Flashing night club lights, live music, stores and fast food open 24 hours a day-nightlife has become analogous for "fun" and "excitement". Daylight is "boring." Turn on the lights and all of a sudden it doesn't seem so fun anymore-people aren't as attractive as they were in the dark. But there are other lights that always seem to be on- electronic devices to make it through the night-My son just found an app (Periscope) that allows you to cast your cell phone around the world so others can actually see what you are seeing on your cell phone (like going on a hike, watching an event-anything) and interact with you- talk about instant connection and world exposure! Unplug from our devices and suddenly we're alone-no connection with the outside world. Yet with or without electricity, people have always found something to do in the dark-sometimes things you wouldn't dream of doing in the day. Night is a great cover even if it's just a dark private room in a home. Some people wouldn't dream of living in a city without an exciting nightlife. Isn't Las Vegas still billed as the city that never sleeps? Take away all the substances that impair executive brain functioning or illicit sexual activities that give that great dopamine high-then what do you do? Consequences usually come in the morning. Maybe some people's way to skirt around that issue is just not have any mornings-sleep through them. I don't know-I just like day.
My life is made up of days. Each day includes both day and night and what I choose to pay attention in each waking hour. There is work to be done-and probably for me, this work will be done during daylight hours. I chime in with the hymn, "There is Work Enough to do Ere the Sun Goes Down." All these days and nights are a gift from a gracious God as "space granted unto man in which he might repent." I get to repent. It is a privilege. I get to change for the better. I feel the truth in Alma's words,"...after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed." Day labor is important.
My children's productivity or lack thereof is constant source of glory or shame for me as a parent. I know they have their agency, but I also know I am a piece of their biological and environmental underpinnings that influence their choices; I think how I could have raised them differently to help them be happier and more productive. Their uncertainty and confusion weighs heavily on my heart-to the point that it is most difficult to focus on the positive and be my "bright sunny self." I need energy to understand and support them; it surely isn't going to come from my son's can of "RockStar" energy drink though I do admit that powering up with a"star" has some validity, especially if it's our star...the sun.
As I was driving to work on Friday past a large green hay field, the morning sun pierced my eyes through the windshield and filled my heart with gratitude and filled my eyes with tears. It reminded me in the most powerful, attention getting, "shine the light on me" way to focus on the positive and think "How blessed I am!" I'm so grateful for the sun-the source of daylight. Light really does dispel the darkness. Light really does make the heavy load seem lighter. Light lifts in every way. Light propels me forward with hope for the future. Light helps me work during the day. Light is Life. Daylight work is wonderful.
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