Last night, I was talking on the phone to my grandmother. The kids started out in the room with me and then disappeared. The quiet should have clued me in that they were up to something, but I kept talking until I heard James' voice sternly, yet comically, telling the kids to "Get out of there!". I walked into the kitchen to find James helping both kids out of the rabbit hutch and all were laughing.
Dirty laundry is one of my least favorite chores. I don't mind the washing and drying, but I never can seem to get the laundry folded and put away. I used to make the excuse that we were just going to wear it again, so there wasn't a great need to put it all away.
Piles of laundry frequently adorn our furniture and when I do manage to get it folded, the little people that live with me throw laundry parties and toss it into the air while playfully laughing with excitement. Most recently, I've been rationalizing that laundry will wait and the little moments to remember are fleeting.
Laundry is a lot like life. There are some things that we let pile up, while other things find their way to the front of the line-up as they hold greater importance or pleasure.
However, there are a few things we can learn from dirty laundry.
Laundry is a constant; something that we know will always be waiting. Some of you may have things in your lives that you keep in the background until they are necessary-chores, people, etc. However, many times I go through the day to day and don't concentrate on the need until the pile is staring me in the face. If I would address the laundry of life every day, then the pile would not seem as intimidating. Build relationships, take time to make someone a meal, and don't wait until that small pile becomes a daunting mountain to spend some quiet time reflecting on thankfulness and praying for needs.
Secondly, life's laundry is a glass half empty/half full situation. We can look at the pile with fear or frustration, or we can look at the positives of the load. A dear friend and mentor told our small group that she prays for each member of her family as she folds and puts away that laundry. Monotonous turned purposeful!
The last eight months, we've been on autopilot going through our day to day. Hayden is talking, walking, and sharing her totally fearless personality with the world. Hunter is holding steady and hopefully growing straight in his brace. He's a like a little engineer in training, as he watches and models his Daddy's every move and interest. They are both loving the water and we are enjoying family swim time in this June heat.
June is Scoliosis Awareness Month. During this time, I like to think about our laundry pile of life and be thankful for the journey. Our days have been marked by routine, and while routine is wonderful, sometimes we forget to be grateful in the practice of life not just the highlight film.
Remember that while things seem monotonous, the time that you spend every day with those you love is deeply important. Everything doesn't have to be perfect all the time and laundry may pile up on occasion, or for some of us, on a more regular basis ;). Be purposeful, pray for those that dirtied those clothes and make time to dance in the sprinkler when you have a chance.
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