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| A Maid Watering Flowers, painting by Franck Antoine Bail. |
What happens when Mother is too weak, or worn out, to clean? Lately, my main pastime is making the messes look neat.
I walk into the kitchen, see all the work I have to do, and instead of cleaning it, I tidy it up. I wipe down counters, stack dishes and just make it all look pretty.
It's not that I don't want to clean. I enjoy my work, especially when I listen to sermons or old time gospel on my kitchen radio. But I am so wiped out, physically, that I can barely function.
However, I think I can manage some work this morning. I should just do my marathon cleaning. I will have to give myself a full hour, rather than the standard 30 minutes. I need the extra time, to drag myself though the chores. (smiles)
I should probably include the children in this. . . Maybe I will write them chore letters? Or perhaps I will hand out chore cards? I think the cards would be better, since letters would take more work for me.
After the hour is up, hopefully I will have cleaned the parlour, washed sheets, done laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and vacuumed. If that timer goes off, and I am not finished, I will just organize the mess, tidy it up and make it all look lovely.
Then I will happily rest for the day!
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
The comfort of The Light in the Window.
A Peaceful Picture from my Home - Tonight's View from the Kitchen.
The Great task of Motherhood at - The Mission House.
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
I love that, "make the mess look pretty." I do that same thing, at home and at my daughters' homes. When I can't actually wash the dishes, I like to stack them neatly,and wipe the counters. I love the order it brings. It shows someone Cares. And it's a big head start when you come back. :-) Thank you
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. White,
ReplyDeleteI pray that you will soon catch your healing and feel much better.
I ask it in Jesus' name and by his stripes.
Amen
Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage
and the Crew
First of all, I pray your health improves quickly. Second, I too have "tidied up the mess" before. I have not been well lately either, but I do have short bursts throughout the day where I am able to tackle one task at a time, like fold a load of laundry or do the dishes. In the meantime, I just try and keep tidy my home, messes and all.
ReplyDeleteThere is certainly no shame in asking our children to help. I have 3 girls and certain things are expected of them. We have weekly chores, with each of us doing our share. It's important to arm out children with the ability to cook, clean, do laundry and take care of a home...their future mates will definitely sing our praises about that later. I understand that as a homemaker, it's MY job to keep the home clean and tidy,etc., but as a mom, it's my duty to also instruct and teach my children to do things as well. I mean, realistically, I may not always be here to do everything. As a family, we help each other when one is down or sick and build each other up physically and emotionally. It's very hard on moms who have only little ones, no other extended family or friends or maybe live far away from help. It would be great in a situation like that if the church family would step up or if help could be brought in. My girls are all home and able to help when I need it, although they do have other things going on in their lives, we learn to manage our time efficiently and prioritize. I enjoy your blog and hope 2012 is a good year for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteyou are such an inspiration to me! i hope today was good after all.you are always in my prayers :)
ReplyDeleteI do hope you are up and going soon. I can relate. I have had back proplems and a cold; so I am dragging. I really think I will take a couple of days of. Blessings to you in this new year.cl
ReplyDeleteWhen there are health issues to work around or should I say work with....it's one day at a time. Everyday is different.
ReplyDeleteSome days I just have to hang my head and forget about it. Do a lot of praying and wait for the next gust of energy to come by.
So important to rest. It's been an effort to not feel guilty at times.
Praying for release to be okay with slowing down as I age and change my course of direction in what I need to do or want to do.
God bless you!
d
"Make the mess look pretty." I love that and often find myself doing the same thing, especially when I have been up a lot during the night with my youngest.
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs White. I hope that you are taking some time out and putting your feet up. Don't stress. Sometimes we are just too tired to do it all, and we need a break. I am praying for you to feel better and want to send you and your lovely family New Year Blessings.
ReplyDelete