Happy International Women’s Day to all you ladies out there!
I have to admit, as a guy, I often overlook what you do. It is easy for us men to think of you as things* to acquire and possess. It isn’t intentional, it is just kind of how we have evolutionarily developed. We are made to protect and provide for our family, and sometimes we think that gives us ownership rather than stewardship and partnership of those in our lives.
I have come to realize over the last couple of years of introspection (and raising daughters!) how easy it is to overlook our differences and judge you on a masculine scale. It goes without saying this is a huge mistake that we as a society, and I personally have made in the past and likely will continue to make in the future. Thanks to a couple of great podcasts (in particular Abiding Together – Love People, Use Things – and The Catholic Feminist Podcast) have really opened my eyes, and more importantly, my heart to the Feminine Genius. I admit I don’t always agree or relate with everything I hear but it is opening a dialog within me when I shut up and just listen.
One of the things I have been doing a lot to change my way of thinking around a lot of areas of my life is to try and see what things are not before assuming what they are. I am sure I will talk more about this in the future, but this line of thinking has really brought to my mind how amazing women are and how incredibly complementary our geniuses are when we work together. We are truly like a jigsaw puzzle and you can’t see the beauty of the picture using only half of the pieces.
So to all you daughters and mothers, sisters and aunts, grandmothers and godmothers, wives and lovers, bosses and friends, please accept my love and my gratitude for your compassion and empathy. For your ability to do the things with a joyful heart which I find hardest. For showing me the greatness inherent in being receptive. Thank you for bringing the soft edges of beauty to my world of hard edged competition and daily struggle. Thank you for showing me the example of true strength through loving me when I least deserve it.
* I just wanted to clarify my use of the word “things”. It’s not intended to be derogatory, nor is it just female, because we often view other males in the same light as a challenge to accomplish, and obstacle to overcome, or a prize to be won rather than a living human being.
Random Thoughts 