RBG and me
This afternoon Himself and I went to the movies. We like to attend the show that starts about 4:00 in the afternoon. Today we saw "On the Basis of Sex," based on the early life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It was an excellent film and provided a lot of conversation on the drive home.
Mindful that I am in the deep-rose-color stage of life, according to Erikson, I'm aware that in the past two years I have done a lot of thinking about what my life has meant and how best to use the time that remains.
We'd seen the other RBG movie a couple of months ago, the documentary called, simply, "RBG," and I thought at that time about how much this woman has accomplished, and how many have benefitted from what she has done.
I've always been a behind-the-scenes kind of person. Organizations elect me secretary, to take the notes and preserve the record. Most of my jobs have been support roles -- secretary, dissertation typist, assistant to head of school -- and I have always relished being part of the lead person's success. At times old childhood messages ("You HAVE the ability. Why don't you do better/more?") gave me pause, making me wonder if there was something wrong with me that I didn't crave limelight. As a seminarian, I learned to construct and deliver a sermon and became very good at both, but I never felt the call to preach and preside. I knew I belonged in a hospital setting, meeting folks at the bedside.
Most of us are not granted the "big picture" accomplishments, such as those of Mrs. Ginsburg. Some of us supported the triumphs of others or made our own smaller differences. My husband, an architect, designed buildings -- most importantly (in my view) a wonderful addition to our church -- that will live on long after we are gone. Basically a quiet man, he doesn't talk about how he feels about that. To me, it is a "medium picture" accomplishment. My own are of the "very small picture" variety: As a hospital chaplain, I held and listened to individuals beset by grave illness or unexpected loss. I am convinced that the world needs all of our accomplishments for good, from the ones that impact thousands of people to those that help far fewer. Some of us serve on the Supreme Court; others throw starfish back into the ocean.
Comments
I made a calendar of happy students in my classes, because it's easy to forget how many happy students I have had the opportunity to teach. It's a small thing, but gives me great joy, and to see their happiness in the pictures reminds me that small things can have big impact. When I'm having a rough go at work or something, I look up at the calendar.
xx, Carol
Like you, my contributions aren't from leading roles. My career as a registered nurse allowed me to help people medically and with care along with helping their families through what was happening. I held the hand of every one of my patients as they went to sleep for surgery because that was important to me.
Now, I'm trying (slowly) to cover the world with quilts! Labeled, so those in the future won't have to wonder who, when, where, and why. :)
I believe all God's children have a place in the choir but not all are soloists and that's okay.
Congratulations to your husband for designing buildings and additions to suit the needs and wishes of other, but also for his art as those drawings and painting are his gifts to the world, too.
Hugs!