“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But for those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”
Matthew 25:29
This popular, and simple, scripture rings in our ears as we approach all the ideas we have for being parents, and try to define our purpose in family and life. This fusion between who we are, what we want, and how we will achieve it has always been a discussion between the two of us (Craig & Laura), so we chose to make this the topic of our first bi-authored blog. So here we go.
It is funny how something that is such a common conversation can become such a complicated experience to portray on paper. Laura and I have always sought out the so-called “meaning” in life, and when we replied our vows we dedicated ourselves to a shared purpose, or at least dedication to the pursuit of purpose.
The real reason for writing this blog is to try to encourage anyone who is going, wants to go, or has gone through this process. The process of growing up, the process of embracing change, the process of being happy, the process of changing the world, or any other process by which you choose to devote your time. And, to give our testimony to how it truly is a partnership of patience and discipline that is required.
So where did we start? Benjamin Franklin. In his autobiography, Franklin gives a first hand account of his impoverished childhood, how he wanted to escape, and the means by which he provided for himself the ability to be one of the greatest figures in the nation. The backbone of this methodology is wrapped around the virtues he felt, that if practiced, would have the power to synchronize his beliefs with his actions. The 13 virtues mentioned below will be a topic of our blogs from here-to-there, and we hope they serve as references to your own education.
1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity: Rarely use venery, but for health or offspring (We believe in being very healthy), never to dullness (Dullness?), weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s piece or reputation.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Disclaimer: Some of these definitions are extreme, WE KNOW, but, like extremely dramatic movies, we have to be given some excitement to spark our actions. If you lived exactly like this list challenges, you would most definitely have no facebook friends, and they really just serve as a guide to better our behavior. Most, if just performed in their most common sense way; i.e. save some money, don’t cheat on your wife, be nice to people, don’t booze too much, etc, will make for great one word reminders.
- Craig and Laura
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