My Ship

I posted this on the TWTM boards a while back in response to someone who felt as though she had lost her own identity in the midst of homeschooling and keeping the home running. Many people seemed to enjoy it, so I will post it again here.

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After watching every episode of Star Trek: Voyager for the umpteenth time, my children were discussing how similar we are to a Star Ship.

They compared their dad to the Admiral who is rarely on board the ship. Our Admiral is around more than many since he farms, but he doesn't run the "ship" from day to day. His wishes are important to us and we always take them seriously.

Mom is the Captain. She runs the ship. Everyone answers to her and they follow her direction. She sets the pace and is a model for those who aspire to come up through the ranks. It is up to her to keep the ship running smoothly--not that she does all the work, of course.

The Commander, Lieutenant, Ensign, and Crewmen (the cats), each have responsibilities and duties. Although we live here together, we each "have a life" outside the "ship". We each are individuals.

The Voyager crew belonged to a larger organization: Star Fleet. The rules were set, the protocols were chosen, the acceptable codes of behavior were written down, and orders were given and followed by those who wore the Star Fleet uniform. In our home, we have the Bible and we, too, have a mission.

I rather enjoyed contemplating how similar my world was compared to the Captain’s.

(All right. Now you know it. I’m a little bit of a trekkie and a little bit strange, too…)

I try to structure my world so that it runs smoothly. I work hard to keep my household "ship" organized. Just like the good Ol' Cap'n, I take the time to care for those on my ship who have needs--emotional (hugs, a listening ear), physical (food, clothing), mental (education), spiritual (church, family devotions), as well as my own needs.

The people on my ship have rules to live by, "cardinal protocols", and jobs to do, but these do not limit who we are or what our interests are. I love looking at the stars. I enjoy sharing my farm life with others. I teach homemaking skills to many--teaching is one of my 1st loves! (Capt. Janeway paints!)

When my children grow up, I may not have a "ship" to run as I do now, but I will still have those other activities that I love to do and other interests that I want to pursue. I may have to find another "position", but right now I can stand up straight and tall and know that my ship is ready to be deployed, my crew is well cared for and capable of making an impact on the "Alpha-Quadrant" where we live. We are strong.