Friday, November 23, 2007

It has been a week since I last updated. So much happens in so little time. At least, it feels like a lot happens. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe I think too much. That seems to be my common affliction.

I should quit whining. Wherever you are, dear reader, I hope you are well and that God is growing and blessing you.

Today I worked on my persuasive, so here's how it looks right now. As always, your thoughts and ideas are VERY welcome.

~*+*~

“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts…”
~William Shakespeare, from the play As You Like It

Life is indeed like a play. It is a comedy, a tragedy, a romance, and confusion, sometimes all at the same time. As you go through the play, you begin to see more order and it begins to make sense. But there are times when you, the actor, seem to be in a hurricane.

One of the biggest, most life-changing acts in the play is adolescence. It comes after birth and childhood, which set the stage for this scary act. The main characters in this play are the teenagers, but the other main actors are, surprisingly, the teenagers’ parents.

Let us meet the cast before we examine the script of this play and see how the presence of interaction between the main characters is crucial for getting through this scene safely and setting the stage for the next act. Finally, after we have watched the play in its entirety, we shall evaluate the performance and the script and try to perfect this story so that there is hope for the next generation.

Going behind the scenes, we meet some impressive people who will play the parts of mother, father and teenager in this act. Mom and Dad have distinctly different jobs and yet are considered one joint actor called “the parents”. The teenager is separate. Both the parents and the teenager have remarkably difficult jobs to perform, and both require quite a bit of work to do well.

Let us start with Mom. My mom is what people call a stay-at-home mom. What is her job description for this play? In Mom, You’re Incredible! (pp. 23-24), Linda Weber quotes a fan of Ann Landers:

I’m so tired of all those ignorant people who come up to my husband and ask him if his wife has a full-time job or if she’s ‘just a housewife.’ Please print this letter and shed some light on this sorely under-valued occupation. Thank you. Here is my job description.

     I’m a wife, mother, friend, confidante, personal advisor, lover, referee, peacemaker, housekeeper, laundress, chauffer, interior decorator, gardener, painter, wallpaperer, dog groomer, veterinarian, manicurist, barber, seamstress, appointment manager, financial planner, bookkeeper, money manager, personal secretary, teacher, disciplinarian, entertainer, psychoanalyst, nurse, diagnostician, public relations expert, dietitian and nutritionist, baker, chef, fashion coordinator and letter writer for both sides of the family.
     I am also a travel agent, speech therapist, plumber and automobile maintenance and repair expert. During the course of the day, I am supposed to be cheerful, look radiant and jump in the sack on a moment’s notice.
     From the studies done, it would cost more than $75,000 a year to replace me. I took time out of my busy day to write this letter, Ann, because there are still ignorant people who believe a housewife is nothing more than a babysitter who sits on her behind all day and looks at soap operas.
     If I could afford to pay someone to do all the things that I do, I would be delighted to go back to working an eight-hour day with an hour for lunch and two fifteen-minute breaks.
     What do I get out of my job in the absence of a salary? Joy, happiness, hugs, kisses, smiles, love, self-respect and pride in knowing that I have done a full day’s work to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of those I love.
     Now if you still want to classify me as just a housewife, go ahead.

Really, there is even more that goes into a stay-at-home mom’s job than even this woman could list, but it will do for now. Telling of a mother’s job and how important she is would take up entire scene.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks good! But, (as I'm sure you know) it looks a bit short.

(Oh, and it wasn't one week, it was 2 and a half.) :)

Allegra said...

Yes, I need to do so much more with it... But today is going to be devoted to debate. *sigh* Oh well. Thanks for the encouragement!

And you're right. I'm sorry I take so long. :(

Anonymous said...

That looks good so far. Are you planning to post the final version?

Tamara Hamill said...

That's clever! I like how you're setting it up as a play. Your pictures are beautiful, too! I can totally relate to some of the things you've said lately about panic/tough times/pain/thinking too much. I've really been there. God's taught me a lot about that, both in my own life and as I counsel the girls here at the Bible college. And you are so right about what you say about Him being our refuge and the right place to turn! He is really the "God of all comfort" who comforts us in all our affliction so we can comfort others. (I LOVE that passage!) Do you have a Facebook, or just your blogs? Anyway, just wanted to say hi and that I love ya and admire you for trusting and turning to God. :)

Tamara (Tami)

Allegra said...

Wow, I'm totally overwhelmed (in a good way) by the comments that appeared over the course of this day. Thanks, y'all!!!

Matthew, I am definitely posting the final version when I actually finish this speech. Debate is a little higher priority this week, though, because of a tournament this Friday. *eek!!!*

Tami, do you like being called Tami more than Tamara, or do you care? Your nickname is cool!

Thanks so much for your encouragement. Perhaps it's just because I'm tired right now (yes...VERY...), but your encouragement came at the perfect time. Thanks!!! I'm sorry you've gone through the same stuff, but I guess He really uses it doesn't He? God bless you!!!

(Gosh, I really need to go to bed! There are going to be numerous spelling errors and stuff. Meh.)

Thanks, y'all!!! I pray God's blessings on every one who reads this...even on those who don't. :) *sleeps*

Anonymous said...

I like it, my mom is special to me. I think it's really awesome are you going to talk about all the family or just moms?






www.historymaker14.blogspot.com, yes you know me

Jonathan M said...

Hey, thanks for commenting on my blog regularly. I'm sorry I haven't been over here in a reall long time. It looks like you're thinking a lot of great thoughts. This piece really helps me appreciate my mom.