There have been a lot of times when work and parenting

Hearken, O children of generations yet to awaken, and attend to the words of Cathy McMorris Rodgers, whose voice carries the weight of daily struggle and steadfast devotion: “There have been a lot of times when work and parenting conflicted for me. Every day.” In these words lies a timeless recognition: that the paths of duty—both to family and to vocation—often converge in tension, demanding courage, discernment, and the labor of balancing responsibilities that pull the heart in opposing directions.

The origin of this reflection rests in Rodgers’ own life as a parent and a professional, navigating the unyielding demands of career and the ceaseless needs of the young. She observed that each day presents choices that cannot be perfectly reconciled: meetings and deadlines, schooling and milestones, obligations and affection. From this lived experience emerges a truth ancient and enduring: the labor of love and the labor of vocation often intersect in challenge, and wisdom is found in the effort to honor both.

The meaning of her words is both practical and moral. To parent is to invest time, presence, and guidance in the nurturing of children; to work is to provide, create, and fulfill one’s calling. Conflict between these callings is inevitable, yet it is in the mindful negotiation of priorities, the calibration of effort, and the cultivation of presence that integrity and balance are achieved. Rodgers reminds us that perfection is not demanded, but conscientious engagement and thoughtful effort are.

Consider the historical example of Abigail Adams, who raised children amidst the tumult of revolution and governance. Her responsibilities to her household and to her husband’s political endeavors often conflicted, yet she navigated both with diligence, reflection, and care. Abigail’s letters reveal a conscious effort to balance love, guidance, and duty, illustrating Rodgers’ insight: the struggle between work and parenting is not a failure, but a crucible for patience, wisdom, and resilience.

Yet Rodgers’ reflection carries a subtle admonition: the conflict between work and parenting may breed guilt, frustration, or exhaustion if unacknowledged. Awareness of this tension allows the parent to act with intention, presence, and moral clarity, ensuring that neither duty nor love is neglected. It is not the avoidance of conflict that defines wisdom, but the deliberate, conscientious navigation of competing demands.

The lesson for future generations is radiant: recognize that work and parenting will inevitably clash, and that daily effort, reflection, and prioritization are the tools with which balance is achieved. Cultivate mindfulness, presence, and intentionality, understanding that each day is a negotiation between obligations, love, and personal calling. The measure of the parent is found not in perfection, but in the persistent and thoughtful engagement with both realms.

In practical life, one may follow Rodgers’ counsel by establishing rituals of connection, time management, and deliberate presence. Set aside moments for focused attention on children, plan work obligations with foresight, and communicate openly with family and colleagues. Accept imperfection, reflect upon each day, and celebrate the moments of balance achieved. Through mindful navigation, the parent fulfills both vocation and nurturance, cultivating resilience, integrity, and love.

Thus, O children of future ages, carry this teaching as both lantern and shield: the conflict between work and parenting is inevitable, yet navigable with wisdom and care. Approach each day with intention, balance obligations with presence, and embrace both the labor of love and the labor of vocation. In this mindful pursuit lies the enduring cultivation of character, the strengthening of bonds, and the legacy of care, diligence, and integrity to illuminate generations yet to inherit the sacred art of nurturing amidst life’s demands.