I've given this a lot of thought. Elastigirl is like the perfect symbol for what womanhood is. More specifically, a woman who is focusing on the task of home production. Think about it: What makes an elastic valuable? The opposing qualities of rigid structure, and flexiblity. If it didn't fight to retain its original shape, it wouldn't hold anything together. But if it wasn't flexible, it couldn't gather within its grasp everything it wanted to hold. Women of the world...don't you feel this way!? It's like, my family completely falls apart when I fall apart (which by the way is currently happening because NEWS!! we have baby number 3 on the way, which we are way excited about! But the elistigirl in our family is in a bunched up knot on the couch or in bed. I'm really not that sick, just sick and tired enough to be falling apart). Anyway, I administer (or not) any and all structure for all members of my family when it comes to home. Meals, training children to take care of their things, having fun together, family worship, clean socks in their place, etc. It is a fulfilling and challenging task, and women who pull it off well truly amaze me. And then there's the flexibility. I love Helen Parr and all the ways she uses her elasticity, it cracks me up. Because it's so a mom! Who doesn't hold their toddler sideways in one arm while they reach for a rag and then pour someone else a glass of milk with the other? What mom isn't the parachute and lifesaver for every issue under her roof? Even Mr. Incredible, a symbol of strength, fell apart without her. Here's the paradox: everything has to remain flexible in order to keep its stability.
I'm so thankful for my role. I'm so thankful that I am asked to develop what it takes to be an elastigirl. I want to reach out, to stretch myself!, to include every person and every joy available. I want to create that stable dream home, where children say, "Ahhhhh. I'm home. I'm safe. I'm loved. I'm happy."
And I guess what I'm learning now is that part of what needs to be flexible is even my expectation for myself. I'm not a very strong elastic, really. I'm more like silly putty that just keeps stretching. As I work on my discipline, I'm thankful for the hope I have that Someone wants to help bear my yoke. And I'm so humbled to be sealed to a partner who sees WonderWoman just by opening my eyes every morning.
Have a happy, happy day doing just what we do best: elastigate. :)
