Because, although you steer by the North Star, when you have lost the bearings of your compass, you nevertheless must steer in a pathway on the sea, -- you are not bound for the North Star.

Woodrow Wilson

Here's the the thing, in both parenting and organizing, no matter how hard we try, we are never getting to the North Star. Our idea of a perfect family will help steer us and motivate us, but let's not let it defeat us when we can't actually find our way there. The trouble with aiming for the North Star is we get confused and frustrated when we find ourselves still on the open and choppy sea of family life. The truth is, people living with people is a messy operation and we will never figure it all out. Take a minute to lay on your deck chair and gaze up and see the perfectly nutritious family meals seven days a week, the two polite, neat and respectful children, the on time and grateful spouse and see your own self, calm and serene. Feel your shoulders relax and sigh and smile.

Then get up and steer your big old noisy, boisterous and unpredictable boat the best you can!