EFFORT

It was the end of a grueling day when I was a farmer’s wife and the mother of three small children and I was contemplating an event to attend in the evening. As I thought about the effort it would take for me to get ready and show up, Carson Robison’s twenty-year old recording, “Life Gits Tee-Jus, Don’t it,” popped into my mind. The lines that fit my situation were: “My shoes untied but I don’t care, I ain’t figurin’ on goin’ nowhere, For I’d have to wash and comb my hair, and that’s just wasted effort.” I added. “and be sociable,” which for an introvert like me takes energy, too. Many times, since that day I’ve asked myself, “Is attending the gathering worth it?”

We don’t have a way to measure personal energy like industry uses ergs and dynes. (I knew taking a physics class in high school would come in handy someday.) As I age, I notice how much effort various tasks require such as taking a shower and dressing for the day. I know it’ll take me about half-an-hour but I have no way to estimate the exertion it requires or how much vitality I have.

When I was younger, I never thought about how much energy I had. I walked most places I was going around town. Before making a trip to the grocery store, I evaluated what I needed. Could I carry all of the items six blocks home or did I need to take the car? Now I drive the car for all errands.

For some time, I’ve had a saying on our refrigerator, “The less I do, the less I can do.” I firmly believe that. Yet, I find myself sitting more than I really want to. “Maybe I’ll do tomorrow,” has become my mantra.

Do you lack energy to do what you want to?