I'm wiping the table down for what feels like the 10th time today. A quick glance at the clock reveals it is only 1130. How is that possible? It feels like I have already done so much, but a look around the house shows there is so much more to accomplish.
I could spend my life doing nothing else but straightening up this house.
The truth is, I never really get "there" - to that place of sparkling cleanliness. More often than not, I visit the land of "good enough." With days like mine, packed with children and schooling and meals and mess and moments, its a wonder we aren't knee deep in dust more often.
Maybe you've heard the saying "cleaning when you have small children is like shoveling during a snowstorm." Maybe you, like me, chuckled and shook your head, amazed at what an accurate analogy that is.
It can be incredibly frustrating, watching your hard work be carefully and intentionally undone all.day.long. Sometimes it is more than I can take.
Yesterday a friend reminded me of something. I was talking of cleaning and holidays and stress, and she gently reminded me: Jesus chose a stable.
God could have had his child born in the 5 star hotel of the day, if that is really what he wanted - but he didn't. He didn't choose a spotlessly clean home with all the modern amenities available at the time. He chose a place so ordinary, almost extraordinarily plain, dirty, common.
He sent his Son to a plain place and plain people.
He knew that these lives of ours, they are a mess. And He came anyway.
He can and will come into our homes even when the laundry pile is threatening an avalanche, and those urchins of ours desperately need baths. He comes to us when the dishes didn't get done and the bathroom mirror is all smudgy. He longs for us to spend time with Him, not preoccupied with unattainable housekeeping perfection.
This house, it will probably never be more than "good enough." But where He is, that ground is Holy.
Praying for perspective today!!
{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now.
You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.
I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.
I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~
Link up your post below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.
Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!
Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!
Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}
Grab the graphic here:
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I've also heard it said as, "Cleaning with small children is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos."
ReplyDeleteEqually self defeating!
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ReplyDeleteHave you ever heard Carrie Newcomer's song "Holy is The Day"? It hits right at what you say, that wherever God is, that ground is holy. So true - thanks for this Monday reminder.
ReplyDeleteI haven't - looking it up now! Thanks for the suggestion!
DeleteGreat perspective, and so timely for me to read. Thank you. :)
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