MIPOTW: JK+8

This week’s Most Interesting Phrase of the Week comes from an article I ready by Marybeth Hicks in the Washington Times. Mrs. Hicks is the author of Bringing Up Geeks, the book she generously sent me to read and review a few months back. I’m really enjoying it, and I must say that she gives me quite a few “duh!” moments in her common-sense approach to parenting and the media. [stay tuned for Episode 1 in the Geeks R Us MeMyBook&I series next week!]

The article was in response to the TLC/Jon & Kate Plus 8 hullabaloo that’s been brewing over the last few weeks.  In it, Mrs. Hicks talked about the vital role a marriage makes in the heathly, stable lives of children and how deceptive it is to try to separate the marriage relationship from parenting responsibilities. She noted Jon & Kate’s verbalized commitment to their children’s “happiness” and their desire to put the children first. She concluded with this statement and the question I’m determined to ask myself:

“In the end, Jon and Kate face the same question that every married couple confronts as they work to maintain a strong and healthy bond: What will they give up in order to have what they say they want most of all?“

Sacrifice. It’s not an easy concept to get behind. But, like the merchant seeking fine pearls, I have to come to the place where what I desire for my family, my children and myself becomes more valuable than the substitute or temporary satisfactions standing in my way.

MIPOTW caveat: Mrs. Hicks’ “growing fungus of celebrity” comment ran a close second here. Well-said.