Anyone who has or has had little children knows that it is very hard to get even five minutes to yourself. Sometimes it is just because we are trying to cram too much in too little time, playing catch up, or just drowning in a mountain of to dos. As a homeschooling mom, I find myself trying to figure out how to juggle keeping a house clean and organized, schooling three children and serving God in a way that is pleasing to Him. I hate to admit it, but more often than not, my home pays the price. Today I sat for a few minutes (while gulping my dinner) and looked around, and this is what I saw;
Fingerprints on the fridge. A reminder that little children find food in there that God has provided us with. We might not have any expensive cheeses, large amounts of convenient foods, or doggy bags from fancy restaurants in there, but what we do have is an appreciation for what is there. Good, wholesome, nutritious food, even some to share.
Crayons and papers on the desk. Proof that today we spent time learning. The children learned their ABC's and about Christopher Columbus, and I learned about the value of learning their personalities. I learned today that my children not only hear what I say, but that it becomes part of who they are. Good or bad, they will be a product of my teachings, and God gave me a job of teaching them about Him. I hope I made him proud today.
Legos on the floor. Remnants of time spent building their imagination. How many different things can one Lego be? Today it was a house, a flag, a building, and a dragon. It was held by a wide-eyed four year old whose only thoughts were on beating the dragon, climbing the building and being number one. Even in his little world, he can grasp the thought that God created us. It makes sense to him, after all, when you love something, you make it perfect. "Just like mommy is." He says. Oh the adoration of a child.
The abandoned pile of laundry. This one makes me smile because my daughter took it out of the dryer to help me out without me asking. I think to a time when she was a just a baby and she fit in a laundry basket and giggled as she threw clothing everywhere. I can remember the smell of laundry soap mixed with her lavender shampoo. How I wish for just one moment that I could smell that again, to have her back as my baby.
As I finished my dinner, I stood smiling in the midst of a chaotic looking house and thought to myself, this is my home, this is my life. Thank you God for blessing me (and for my five minutes).
