On Mindful Work

After someone finished her sweeping and threw the broom into a corner, Mother said, "How strange, my dear! The work is finished, and you throw it away carelessly. It takes almost the same time to put it away slowly and carefully as to throw it away. Should you despise a thing just because it is insignificant? 'Him that you save, saves you in turn.' Won't you need it again? Besides, this thing too forms a part of our household. From that point of view also it deserves some consideration. You must give each one his due share of honour. Even a broom must be shown some honor. The smallest work must be done with reverence."

"I want people here who are careful in work. There are those who perform great deeds on the spur of the moment. But one can be really known by the attention given to the details of each duty."