-Loving & Joy Seeking-
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 laundry is a blessing in my eyes. As I pick up a pair of shorts and I hear sand running out of them onto the tile floor I smile. I think of the hours spent creating and playing in the sandbox. A boys shirt with a scent so strong that It’s thrown promptly into the washer is a sign of a healthy child who ran around playing with his friends under the hot sun. A lipstick stained washcloth is a reminder of my teenage daughter, and the next chapter of her life that she’s learning to embrace.
Each week I wash baskets and baskets full of dirty laundry; most of it so dirty that there isn’t even a slim chance of it being worn twice to cut mom a break.
That’s okay. When I slow down a little, I appreciate the mess. I really do.
I truly love being the one who gets to wash their clothes and leave their baskets by the stairs to be put away.
-Teaching-
When my kids were little I taught each of them how to put away their clothing in the correct places.
It was easy because they were young and excited to help with chores. Yes, even the boy was glad to help.
Now my big kids (8 & 13), put their clothes away without grumbling. My 3 year old too, she likes helping the best.
My motherhood journey is about being grateful and teaching the little people in my care, and I believe they are teaching me also.
Through this I’m learning that in order to teach well, I need to start early. In order to learn well it takes being teachable, and lots of practice. It takes being able to see through the mess to find the JOY.
There is SO.MUCH.JOY. Not only in motherhood and dirty laundry, but in LIFE.
Get out there and SEEK THAT JOY! Write down all the goodness you see, hear, and touch, so you can remind yourself of the goodness when you are facing tough days.
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