The Responsible Woman

Everyone I know has a blog these days. At times I wanted to have my own blog, but I shied away. I was too busy. I didn't know what I wanted to say. I don't consider myself to be a great writer.

Then it occurred to me that I could blog at my own pace. Maybe only once a month. And maybe I could get to be a better writer. So, I took the plunge. I filled out the information and clicked my way through the process until it asked for a title. I didn't know what I wanted to write about, let alone what I wanted my title to be. I brainstormed with my husband and thought of one of my favorite paintings by James Christensen entitled The Responsible Woman. Here's a link to it:

http://www.prints.com/prints.php/James_Christensen/The_Responsible_Woman/?artist_id=10&print_id=138

I love all the symbols of what a woman is in this painting. James Christensen wrote about this painting and said that he asked his wife about what her burdens were. The Responsible Woman is carrying a candle which shows that she is a spiritual leader and she has spare candles with her. She has a a child tucked under her arms as she goes on her way and carries a pet, flowers, a broom, a musical instrument, a locked briefcase, parchment and quill with ink, cooking implements, a prescription, keys, needle & thread, a compass and a whistle.

This is my life. I have many different responsibilities that I hold, and while none of them define me, they make me up as a whole.

I am a mother and a wife primarily. This takes the bulk of my time and often creates new identities for me such as teacher, nurse, home manager, chauffeur and referee. I am a sister and a daughter but that often takes a back burner these days to other responsibilities. I am a spiritual leader and this responsibility tends to stretch me past what I think I can handle. I am a servant in many places including home, church and my community. I am still a student and have plenty of interests. I am a musician, an artist, a reader, and a jack-of-all-trades. Hopefully I am a friendto many.

I am the responsible woman.