Reframing objectives

Work demands imply taking up more and more time from family life, to be devoted to work. This testimony reflects one of the many searches a married couple does in order to keep united and protect their family life.

God in his kindness had to resort to keeping us awake with our smallest child's cough, so that my husband and I managed to have a long expected dialogue between 4 and 5:45 a.m., because for several years we hadn't been able to find time to meet and talk calmly.

As Marcelo's working conditions have been opressing us lately (I know we are not an exception), we started talking just about this subject, and my husband told me that we had to get ready for harder times concerning his work schedules (he leaves home at 7:25 a.m. and gets back at about 8 or 9 p.m.). These external demands are undoubtedly opposed to the ideal we had imagined at the time of making projects, when we still hadn't got married.

The dialogue was taking us to reframe our family goals, and to set them apart from those of the enterprises which are clearly seen: multinationals are interested in profit at the expense of effort, time, exclusiveness. No doubt they are huge monsters requesting more and more.

We also recognized that Marcelo has a good position, good remuneration (which at present allows us to save, with sacrifice) and moreover he likes the work he does. We are lucky among so many unfair situations we can see around us.

But our aims are to preserve our family unity, the bond between the two of us, as spouses, and with our children; to look after our physical and mental health (many of my husband's mates suffer from gastritis, heart attacks, etc., owing to stress); to continue looking out around us, towards the others, improving our solidarity, our simplicity, our austerity.

We chose not to get on the train of consumerism and appearances. We chose to continue growing in community (although at the moment I only participate of the Movement). We chose to live in wisdom and love, that is what save us.

How can we reach those objectives? Fixing some limits to the work demands; choosing to be present at a family meal rather than attend a business dinner which would be 'convenient' to share. Getting some fresh air spaces (going for a walk, to get decontaminated along the daily long working hours); counting on the help of our brothers to support us in our everyday needs. And, above all, knowing that we can accept and face reality in a mature way, but we are basically called to live like thoughtful beings, worthy and happy. We are called to be and live as children of a Holy Father: God our Creator. Because, as the Word says:

«Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil» (Eph 5:15-16).

Sonia F. (36)
translated from Cristo Vive Aleluia!
Nº 121, p. 12 (2000)

© The Movement of the Word of God, a Roman Catholic pastoral community of disciples. This testimony was originally published by the Word of God's Publishing House and can be reproduced on condition that its origin is mentioned.