Motherhood. It drains me and fulfills me like nothing else ever could. If I don’t get too caught up in all that I have to do, I can really practice being grateful for what I get to do.
Today I am grateful for laundry.
A bathroom floor covered in dirty clothes is a blessing in my eyes. As I pick up a pair of shorts and hear sand running out onto the tile, I smile. I think of the hours spent creating and playing in the sandbox. A boy’s shirt with a scent so strong it goes straight into the washer reminds me of a healthy child who ran hard with his friends under the hot sun. A lipstick-stained washcloth brings me face-to-face with my teenage daughter, who is learning to embrace the next chapter of her life as she matures.
Each week I wash baskets and baskets of dirty laundry, most of it too dirty to even dream of wearing twice, and that’s okay. When I slow down a little, I appreciate the mess. I really do. I love being the one who gets to care for my family in this small but meaningful way.
Teaching
When my kids were little, I taught each of them how to put away their clothing in the right places. It was easy then, because they were young and excited to help with chores. Yes, even my son was glad to help.
Now my big kids (8 & 13) put their clothes away without grumbling, and my 3-year-old, she’s the most eager helper of all.
My motherhood journey is about gratitude and teaching these little people in my care. Along the way, I’ve realized they are teaching me, too.
To teach well, I need to start early. To learn well, I need to stay teachable. Both take patience, practice, and the ability to see through the mess to find the joy.
Oh friends, there is so much joy. Not only in motherhood and dirty laundry, but in life.
So today, seek that joy. Write down the goodness you see, hear, and touch. Let it be your reminder on the hard days, there is always joy to be found, I am absolutely sure of it!
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