On Wednesday I was wondering how anyone feels truly motivated to clean their house. I was thinking it seemed so pointless to clean something that would only get dirty again in minutes. But my dear friend Miss Sandy gave me some great perspective.
Heather,
I guess what works for me is to remember that any work I
do for my family is holy work. One day I was grumbling to my grandmother about
having to repeatedly clean up muddy boot prints off the floors I had just
cleaned. She was quiet for a moment and she said, "Sandy, I'll tell you this,
I'd give anything to be in your shoes. I'd gladly clean up any muddy boot prints
that were left on my floor with a smile and a prayer because that would mean
that Charlie (my uncle, her only son) would be alive and well and I would not
live in this house alone." I was quiet for a while and I told her she was right.
do for my family is holy work. One day I was grumbling to my grandmother about
having to repeatedly clean up muddy boot prints off the floors I had just
cleaned. She was quiet for a moment and she said, "Sandy, I'll tell you this,
I'd give anything to be in your shoes. I'd gladly clean up any muddy boot prints
that were left on my floor with a smile and a prayer because that would mean
that Charlie (my uncle, her only son) would be alive and well and I would not
live in this house alone." I was quiet for a while and I told her she was right.
Her words made an impact on me and my attitude about repeat jobs. I asked myself
what would it be like not to have my dear loved ones, to be all alone and did I
really want a clean house or people to share it with. I actually found myself
photographing tiny smudges of hand prints left by my grandson on a frosty
window, a perfect muddy boot print left by my husband on the entry floor, and
crumbs on the counter where my daughter prepared her lunch!
what would it be like not to have my dear loved ones, to be all alone and did I
really want a clean house or people to share it with. I actually found myself
photographing tiny smudges of hand prints left by my grandson on a frosty
window, a perfect muddy boot print left by my husband on the entry floor, and
crumbs on the counter where my daughter prepared her lunch!
I felt grateful for
every mess and for the opportunity to wipe them away, it is after all, holy
work. This phase of messiness with young children will pass and believe it or
not, you will miss it!
every mess and for the opportunity to wipe them away, it is after all, holy
work. This phase of messiness with young children will pass and believe it or
not, you will miss it!
So, today I have prepared a photo collection entitled,
"Proof that love lives here..."
Because love is sometimes a little messy.
Smudges on my window...
Bright eyes eagerly seeking for God's presence outside that window
Superman Pajamas in the corner...
A happy exuberant boy
An overflowing laundry basket....
Three healthy bodies clothed warmly
An overflowing laundry basket....
Three healthy bodies clothed warmly
Toys piled in the middle of a bedroom...
Fun, fun, fun!!!
Dishes and food upon the table...
Family time spent together filling our stomachs and souls.
Dishes and food on the table - that's quite normal.Toys on the floor, acceptable,
clothes in the laundry, reasonable...
But, what's this under the table?
A cereal piece for the mouse?
And did you feel compelled to leave him a fork with which to eat as well?
And did you feel compelled to leave him a fork with which to eat as well?
Next, I thought I would capture a sweet picture of toothbrushes and toothpaste littering the bathroom counters, as they usually are. But, instead I found this.... 
No toothbrushes on the counter.
Um, that's a BAD sign.
And who was eating bacon in the bathroom?
I mean, really, there is a limit to multi-tasking people!!!
I mean, really, there is a limit to multi-tasking people!!!
Proof that LOVE lives here (and not a magic cleaning fairy)!
Cleanliness is NOT next to godliness, but Love certainly is.
Comments
Have a wonderful and fun weekend.
Blessings,
Patty
They can make you absolutely nuts and yet and fill you up to the very tippy top too!
Great God Stop Moment!
xoxo,
Melissa
It's amazing how 'perspective' can transform what frustrates to what one is grateful for. This was precious and I do so love the pics. Like I told Valerie, they add depth to your posts. I've been finding that our 'peace of mind' is proportional to whom we are comparing ourselves. The majority of people in the Third World would die to have your 'messes'! Be blessed. Love, Sita
Blessings~
Fran
Blessings,
Cecelia
He was walking at 6 months old and when he was about 16 months he was teaching his sister how to climb out of the crib by going down the side rail head first. All because he wanted to play with her.
These two precious bundles of joy are now healthy teenagers--one learning how to drive a car and the other one volunteering at the local pet shelter.
The house is definately a house of controlled clutter. At least they each do their own laundry :)
I love my life, my children and of course my hubby of 18 years---I should probably mention that we dated for 6 years before we took the plunge.
I have started a new Saturday meme. Please come by sometime and check it out. Hope you will join me and spread the word. Thanks.
Your perspective here is outstanding. Only happy, healthy kids can dirty a house. I had a friend whose 3 year old son needed a liver transplant. She longed for a rambunctious little boy! Of course after the transplant, she wondered what she was thinking!!
Next time I see the clutter my kids leave (like in 2 seconds!!) I will think of your perspective.
Isn't motherhood tiring...umm...I mean...fun!!
Crystal Potter