George and I had a street corner encounter with a woman of our acquaintance who we had not seen for some years.  Our kids had been in school together.   In the course of the usual “hello, how y’been? how’s the family?” , she asked what out kids were doing. 

We told her that Sasha was in graduate school studying Modern German History (particularly WW II).  And she said:

“Really?  What’s she going to do with that?!”

And we answered that Sasha planned to go on and get a PhD and would probably do research and teach.  Then, we told her that Geoff was graduating from college with a degree in theatre and that he performed professionally as a magician, juggler, and escape artist.  And she said:

“Really?  Does he make any money at that?!”

Then, I told her that Sarah and I design and teach knitting classes.  She said that she had tried knitting years ago, but “wasn’t any good at it.”  I gave her my “elevator speech” about how we set up our classes (since we get most of our business by word-of-mouth, I will usually toss it into the conversation if someone shows any interest in knitting).  And she said – laughing:

“Really?  Who has time for that?!”

And George and I responded simultaneously (without smiling) that lots of people did.   Of course, she realized that she had stepped in it nicely and tried to make amends:

“Well, when my kids get out of college and I don’t have to work so much, I’ll probably have time for stuff like that.”

And she went her way and we went ours.  But I was severely annoyed.  I know that many people think knitting is archaic, but mostly they do not throw it in my face.  A raised eyebrow, perhaps, but not full on laughter.  I was really quite severely annoyed!

I was also annoyed because I am tired of people questioning the career directions my grown kids are making – based upon their (ill-founded) impressions that these are not very lucrative careers.  I am very, very proud that Sasha and Geoff are following their passions into careers that will make the most of their God-given talents and abilities, that they work with such dedication in challenging fields, and that their aim is bring enlightenment and entertainment to a world that can certainly use more of both!

And while I, like so many in my generation, send up regular prayers for my kids’ careers and job situations, I consider money to be only part of the issue.  Lives well-spent are better than lots of money to spend.  And my kids’ financial independence is not necessary for me to “start living my life.”  My life is what it is today,

In our family, we all make sacrifices for each other and we all actively support each other in the pursuit of our aspirations and vocations.  We see the value in the work each one does – in these cases:  historical research and education, magical performances, knitting.

So, this woman’s comments had me, as I said, severely annoyed.

Fortunately, it was Sunday and shortly after the encounter (and after I had gone home and cast on a sock!), we went to church where I was reminded by the Scripture readings to be compassionate to others, to be a light in the world. 

So, I was, in the end, able to feel compassion for the woman after all – probably her kids’ financial situation is a real concern to her and, being a real estate agent, her job has probably been very trying and difficult over the past couple of years.   And maybe (maybe) our pointing out that people do make time in their lives for knitting might (might) make her consider that she could, perhaps, make time in her life for something that would bring her joy.  I really hope so.  

That would be a good way to “be a light in the world,” I think,  to encourage, inspire, help some people to find joyful pursuits in their busy lives.