Taking Responsibilities Seriously

This past Sunday Brita was asked to give a talk on the topic "Family Members Have Important Responsibilities." I wouldn't have known had I not received a friendly reminder call from the Primary Secretary, and the talk never would have gotten written had Brita not provided a second reminder as she was putting her shoes on and we were already late for church...but that's completely another story.

The topic she was assigned has caused me to think about what each of our family members contributes to the family. I've thought about the responsibilities I have as a mom and as an influential role model in my girls' lives. I've been reminded that families are significant and that each family member, regardless of age or ability is a contributor. Each member is key to the success of our family.

While all of us in the family contribute in positive ways, one member of our family is particularly attentive to her jobs and responsibilities. She sees to it that all of her jobs are completed every single day. Most of her jobs and responsibilities have been self-assigned. I never have to ask her to do a thing. I never have to throw out any reminders or threats. Simply put, she takes initiative to do important things like...

Bang on the computer keyboard to help mom with whatever she's writing

Close any door that may be open, even if it means trapping herself in a room


Look for important items in each drawer in the house...


...and then empty the contents out onto the floor


Laugh after pulling apart the fireplace screen handles


Make a break for the street anytime one of the doors to the outside cracks open


Provide assistance with the dishes in the dishwasher


Find nourishing snacks when mom forgets to feed her


Smear little fingerprints underneath the kitchen table


Pull important papers from filing cabinets and toss them overhead


Remove laundry from the dryer. Wet or dry...it doesn't really matter.


Dig through the kitchen trash and eat anything that appears edible

Did I mention that she fulfills each of these responsibilities every single day? Often, she will go the extra mile by repeating these tasks several times throughout the day. I guess she just wants to make sure her jobs are done thoroughly and well.

Meg knows her responsibilities and she's serious about them. She doesn't let a single one slide on any day of the week, regardless of the obstacles she encounters. But Meg's one job that is of utmost importance is...

to be adorable and let us LOVE her!

She's got that one covered without even trying.

We are all grateful for Meg's contributions to our family. Our family is stronger and happier because of her. It is possible that the little ones make the biggest difference.