Monk Mom

There’s a new film that’s just been released in Germany called Into Great Silence. Though the movie is nearly 3 hours and has less than 3 minutes of dialogue, the theaters are packed. So I began thinking about the life of a monk and the life I know – the life of a mom. I haven’t seen the movie so I don’t know too much about being a monk, but my dad was in the monastery for four years, so I have an idea. From what I gather, a monk is required to stop in thee midst of a task throughout the day and night in order to chant or sit in silent meditation. A mother, too, has to stop what she is doing throughout the day (and in the middle of the night) to attend to her little one, many times in silent meditation. What I have come to realize in my short time as a mother is that being a mom, like being a monk, requires great sacrifice. Perhaps that’s why so many people choose to either not have children or only have a few. I don’t think our American mentality of independence and “freedom” lends itself to the true sacrifice needed to raise a large family. But doing what you want when you want to isn’t really all that it’s cracked up to be. I’ve noticed that I’m happier when I’m giving. And I’d rather be happy.