Maude Smith's Correspondence with The Mother

4 May 1966

Gracious Mother,

The gardening I wish to do need not conflict with my ordinary working hours. Of course the work I am doing is almost unlimited in its possibilities; there is always more that could be done. I have often wondered whether, in being faithful to it, one is justified in doing anything else. You have said that we don't need recreation if we have the right attitude in our work, but where does spontaneity come in?

In principle I have no objection to gardening work, it is a very fine and useful occupation. But I would object very strongly to overtiring yourself and as I know that you will not neglect one work for the other, perhaps both would be too much? ...The right measure in action is a very necessary thing. So you are the only one to know, through experience, what you can reasonably do.

With all my love

4 May 1966