Quiet prayerful connection

Tea and knitting this afternoon.

These things I do in joy and passion for me, for the home, for my family are themselves rich learning experiences for my children.

My daughter has learnt so much from just observing of an afternoon when I sit with some handwork to do. Some washing powder to make. Some bread to bake. She’s soaked up those experiences she lives a full and active role in our home and often when she asks to help with something beyond her understanding or current capabilities instead of re-directing her I think of how I can facilitate that for her - how she can help and feel valued as a member of our home, valued and proud in the work she takes part in and what she achieves.

Response to my work varies - she sometimes joins in, sometimes not, she sometimes likes to try something new herself. Sometimes just plays, sometimes she will sit, crayon and observe what I’m doing. And ALL that is ok.

This afternoon time is for us both to connect - not necessarily in specific shared activity - but IN shared activity , she has grown to respect my work, as I do hers.

The mutual pleasure of being with each other doing something (or nothing) and being happy and content.

Surely out of all the life lessons we can teach our children...in a world that strives for the next best, and the idea of always moving fast forward, this has to be one of the best pleasures there is, slow meaningful connection with work.

I think there is often something so sacred about time spent in quiet and joyful work, and prayer is often on my mind when I am sat doing such activities.

Have you got any handwork to finish today? Do you pray when you are doing quiet purposeful work?