On Being Circumspect
Written by admin on March 24th, 2008I’ve had it on my mind lately, just how do I appear to others? Little things have shown me through the years that indeed others do watch my life, just as I watch the lives of others, and my actions and words give impressions to people. Though others may not “judge” me, I am sure that they come to conclusions about me based on how I live my life. I may actually influence another human being to do something based on what I’ve done. It’s a serious thought.
I keep in my kitchen, in a prominent location (where I can focus on it daily), a hinged frame with a drawing in each side. My daughter drew these pictures of me when she was about 7 years old. These drawings are two of my most prized possessions. 
No, I don’t think they illustrate any genius-level art skills, but they mean the world to me because I could see in my daughter’s perception of me that I was actually conveying to those around me some of the attributes that I desired to possess. Domesticity and modesty come to mind. The drawings also drove home to me again the fact that what I do most certainly is written on the brains and hearts of my children. Indeed, my daily actions are witnessed and recorded — at least in memory, by all those around me.
I guess I don’t have to elaborate about specific things in which to be circumspect. It could have to do with anything from how I handle a dollar hard-earned by myself or my husband, to how I dress myself when I leave my home, to the language I choose to use, to how I treat a person in need or someone who has hurt me.
Herman Melville (1819-1891) wrote regarding seamen: “he who goes the oftenest round Cape Horn goes the most circumspectly.”
That’s because a wise seaman knows the dangers of Cape Horn — the gale-force winds that make waves 65 feet high and the chance of being shipwrecked.
Visualizing the future effects of our present actions may not be as easy as knowing of a hundred shipwrecks and steering clear of well-known danger.
I want to check myself more often, that I am being circumspect in all that I do. There’s a lot at stake.
Lynn
The Hundred Dresses
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A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning
Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study With the Gentle Art of Learning: A Story for Mother Culture. Sweet fictional story about a newly homeschooling mother who incorporates nature study.
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for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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Hello Lynn!
I have been reading your blog for awhile and must say, I am very encouraged and inspired!
I too love my family and yes, you are right, It is a question I always ponder–what legacy am I leaving behind?
Have a wonderful day, Lynn
Carrie.
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Carrie, thank you so much for leaving a comment. I enjoyed visiting your blog. You and I are definitely on the same page when it comes to Tasha Tudor. Your seedlings look great!
Lynn
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Wonderful post. I agree that this is an important thing to contemplate. I love your pictures in the kitchen. Very very sweet.
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Thanks, Kahri.
Lynn