The day from which I wished to have a break will be the day I wish for once again.
This statement I know with certainty is true: As I have a one year old on my hip, while I wipe crumbs off the kitchen table, I think to myself "hmm, when will I ever get a little break from this?" Why am I thinking this, a break from what are you thinking? Any mother out there knows what I am speaking of. Half my kids have been just put to bed, half are awake, a load of dishes to be unloaded, loaded, hand washed, laundry to fold/put away/wash, toys in the living room, and other tasks to do while the day is ending and the hours left are lessening. How many nights have been like this? Or should I say how many nights have not been like this?
My heart felt heavy until I saw my four year old girls yellow rubber boots on the kitchen floor. One day I will not have yellow rubber boots to pick up.....and I will wish I did. And look there are little sneakers, and little crocks beside the yellow rubber boots, and a young boy making sound affects playing with those toys in the living room, and two beautiful little girls sleeping in there beds, and crumbs to wipe because my children have full, healthy bellies. Life is good. If I didn't get tired at the end of the day that would mean I didn't do my work...and wouldn't tomorrow be harder. Yes, today had it's tasks, but today had it's JOYS.
I sometimes wonder what I accomplish all day when everything doesn't get 'done' (the never ending list of things that "could" be accomplished). Accomplishing this list, or even what we think is big or worthwhile may not be what is really important. Perhaps the small things we did all day is what was the big and worthwhile accomplishments. Like holding your baby on your hip while you cleaned because she wanted to be close to you, watching the kids paint rocks and take each other for wagon rides, pushing the baby to sleep in the stroller, reading a story, giving baths, praying and singing for your wee ones before they go to bed, cleaning, cooking, educating, playing, (and yes the needed discipline) all the things needed to show your loved ones they are cared for and they are important.
I am so grateful for all the little pairs of shoes that did not get put away by my little kids. If they had been put away then the yellow rubber boots couldn't teach me a lesson today. At the end of a routine, busy day I have to remember not to draw from the day what had tasked me, but what brought me JOY. The sun, the rosy cheeks and sounds of children playing, my happy baby, a BBQ with my husband, a soft kitty to pet, healthy children, good books to learn from, a friend to talk with on the phone.....actually this list could get very long....and to think I wanted a break from today.
Next time you have to pick up a pile of dress-up clothes, Lego blocks, or rubber boots remind yourself that one day you will not have them to pick them up, and you will wish you had them to pick up again.
