Recently our family watched a Masterpiece Theater production of Pollyanna based on the classic novel by Eleanor H. Porter. We all have a passing familiarity with the character and her stereotype: Pollyanna is relentlessly hopeful, chirpy and optimistic, some would say nauseatingly so. She plays a game with everyone she meets that revolves around finding "something to be glad about." No matter what the circumstance, Pollyanna dons her cheerful thinking cap, ponders the situation and – voila! – pronounces a reason to be happy.

Pollyanna initially irritates people with her game but eventually wins them over and brings joy into many dreary lives. (And to do it justice, I must add that I discovered why this classic, which I'd never read as a child, is a classic. There's more to Pollyanna than a thoughtless optimism. Her cheerful game eventually boomerangs back at her, saving her from giving up on life in despair. But I digress.)

Before watching this production, I was among those who belittled a "Pollyanna" attitude for being simple-minded fluff. But as a mom I've found myself going back to it again and again.

Sometimes the daily grind of motherhood – cooking, errands, cleaning, baths and bedtime – leaves us drained. We occasionally start to wonder if what we're doing has significance or lasting importance. We wonder if anyone notices our efforts or appreciates the sweat and love we pour into our work. We know that no one is paying us for it. Perhaps we wonder what there is to be glad about.

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