Piles of laundry, a sink full of dishes, meals to prepare and toys everywhere. What do I begin with, what should I tackle first? Kids that need attention, a dog that won't sit still, a cat that needs feeding... The list goes on and on. This morning I rose early, later than I'd intended, but earlier than yesterday. I baked bread, prepared breakfast, packaged home made gifts for preschool teachers, kissed my husband goodbye and patted myself on the back for being the quintessential Proverbs 31 wife. I ran some errands, put the baby down for a nap, squeezed in a shower, made up my face and made it back to preschool in time for the Christmas extravaganza. By lunch time I was tired, shaky and rewarded my good behavior with McDonald's. After all, its all about balance, right?
I am staring at my messy house wondering which which of the rooms needs me the most. Instead, I decide to write this blog. It makes me feel better to get my thoughts down anyway. I'm tired. I want to be done for the day, but the mountain of tasks will just get bigger if I don't start climbing it soon.
But, I'm determined remember? Determined to stay joyful in this chaos all around me. Determined not to let grumpy toddlers and preschoolers steal my smile. Determined to be grateful for this comfortable home that I live in in and the people who fill it with laughter and love. Grateful for the laundry because it means we have clothes, cute ones at that. Grateful for the dishes, because it means my family has been fed. Grateful for the meals that need to be prepared for that means I have food to prepare them. Grateful for even the dog, who actually stayed when I told her to. So I am content to be happy with this mess that is my home, after all they are only things that make it messy, things that I am grateful for. Because inside my soul, where it counts all is in order and at peace and I will climb this mountain of things to do, one step at a time and be happy to rest when I've done enough. Even if I didn't do it all. Tomorrow it'll still be here, and so will I.
Some days you wake up hearing birds singing, wind sailing, and tree limbs dancing. Some days you wake up to glimmering sun shine, the smell of coffee brewing...and some days you don't. This is a record of many of my days....
What an excellenct perspective on nasty dishes, my friend. Not many people find ways to be grateful for such mundane, sometimes yucky tasks. Finding joy in the midst of all circumstances is certainly what we are all called to do - which, in my opinion, is one of our greatest challenges. Good stuff, Heath!
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