THE LOST ART OF APPRECIATION

INTRODUCTION

I would like to make the claim that one of the primary crises in our era, the mix-up of gender roles, is caused by a lack of appreciation for others.  The average person in our world cares only about himself.  He does not stop to think how his actions, words and decisions might affect those who live around him.

THE DUTIES OF WOMEN

The feminist movement could be said to be caused by men lacking appreciation for the work that women do in the home.  The duties of a woman can be many: 

1 - She stays up late mending clothes and cleaning up after the family. 

2 - She wakes up early and in the middle of the night to care for the babies. 

3 - She makes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the family. 

4 - She washes the clothes, cleans the dishes, keeps house, and constantly runs errands for the family. 

5 - She instructs the little ones in how to read and teaches them their school lessons.

6 - She is obliged to teach them many things which give them the ability to make a good life for themselves spiritually, physically, and mentally. 

7 - She also makes clothes, cares for a garden, and provides for the family in various ways to save on expenses.

With all of her strength she pushes through her duties.  Though she is weary nigh to death, she continues because it is her duty to do so.  Yet, after all of this, if her family is unappreciative of her constant efforts and work to help them, what woman is not brought to tears?  All women want is a little love and gratitude.  Yet many women receive it not. As a result of this, they who are not very pious grow tired of the constant battle and say, “Let us do men’s work instead of ours.  There, the work we do, can actually be seen and people will be grateful for our efforts.”  This is often then the reason why many women leave their duties and try to fulfill that which is not appropriate unto them.  It seems; therefore, that the way to bring true femininity back into the world is by helping women to understand that their efforts at home are appreciated and needed.

THE DUTIES OF MEN

Effeminacy in men could be said to be caused by women lacking appreciation for all the work that the men do in the world.  The man who fulfills his proper duties in life has many responsibilities which women often do not perceive. 

1 - He is the leader of his family, is responsible for their actions, and has a duty to constantly keep them in check. 

2 - He makes sure that the family members are instructed in the Faith and observe their religious duties.

3 - He keeps an eye on the politics of his country in order to properly defend his family.

4 - He makes household repairs when needed.

5 - He takes charge of the more physically exerting yard work.

6 - He is responsible for providing the primary income and living expenses for the family. 

7 - He goes to work for many hours and then he comes home to pay bills and sort through many various things his family has left for him to accomplish or fix.

Since he has many obligations, a man needs time to relax, think, and mentally prepare himself for what he must accomplish in the present and the future.  Most women struggle to understand such things even when it is explained to them.  As a result of this, women often nag the men in their lives for wasting time and being lazy.  What man would not easily grow tired of the women in their lives constantly harassing them and telling them that they are worthless or sluggish?  The natural tendency for a man is to respond to these rebukes by thinking, “If all the work I do is not appreciated…  Why even do it?”  At this point, most men who are less than virtuous will give up the fight and stop trying to fulfill his duty.  Men easily grow weary of not being given the respect which they want and deserve as men.  Thus, if we want men to regain responsibility and stand up manfully in the fulfilling of their duties, we should show and express to them how much we appreciate what they do for us. 

FINAL CONCLUSION

When we perform acts of kindness and they are appreciated and we naturally desire to accomplish more of them.  When our good deeds are spurned, taken for granted, or laughed at, we naturally want to give up our good efforts.  Let us show appreciation to all of those around us for the work they do.  Thus, they will be fortified and strengthened in their duties and fulfill their responsibilities unto the end of their days.