Changing Diapers or Building a Cathedral?

If I haven’t mentioned it before, I work in a really cool place (thank goodness or else I’d never be able to leave Makenzie’s sweet little face each day).  I work in the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.  Our goal is to be a resource for business owners and  strategic players in companies as they take their business to the next level, essentially invigorating the WNY community.

When connecting with these business owners about their purpose, there is a little story that we use about how perspective can make a huge difference.  If you haven’t heard it before, here it is…

A man came across three bricklayers busy at work. He asked the first bricklayer, “What are you doing?”

“I’m laying bricks,” the first bricklayer said.

The man asked the second bricklayer the same question.

“I’m putting up a wall,” was the reply.

The passerby then posed the question to the third bricklayer.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m building a great cathedral,” the third bricklayer replied.

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It’s a pretty cool story, right?  And today it got me thinking about being a Mom.  Being a Mom is similar to being a business owner; it’s not always easy.  It can be exhausting, frustrating and trying, to say the least.  It’s non-stop and it can sometimes make you pull out your hair.   So I figured I’d share this story for all those over-worked, under-compensated, and over-tired Moms out there.

Think of it like this…

Yes you are constantly changing diapers, wiping spit-up and struggling with sleep deprivation.  But what you’re really doing is creating an amazing little life for your sweet baby.  You’re teaching your son or daughter everything about your world, your values and your focus on life.  You’re slowly but surely building the foundation for your child; and on that foundation, they will someday create a beautiful cathedral.

So on your tough Mom days, give yourself a break and take a minute to catch your breath and drink some water.  It’s not easy to build a cathedral one brick at a time, but you’re doing it!  And you should be very proud!