Just a Smile and a Wink

I was feeling rather defeated this morning as we wrapped up our first few days of school. The week had started with a clean house and a determination to keep it that way as each school day came to an end. I was sure that this year would be different. I would be able to stay on top of the messes and keep the clutter from taking over. It didn’t take long for that idea to fall apart. As I looked around, I realized things were not going as planned. Life had gotten in the way.

With slumped shoulders, I decided to head up stairs for some reassurance from Keven, who always seems to be able to put things in perspective for me.

As I walked up the stairs, I glanced out my front window. There across the street was my neighbor’s cleaning lady who promptly shows up every Friday at 8:30 am. She was just finishing up and loading all her cleaning supplies into her car. I stopped and with an envious eye, watched her load up. “If only I could have a cleaning lady that would come and clean my house every Friday”, I thought. “Why do they even really need a cleaning lady anyway? Both parents work all day and the children are in school…does their house ever really get dirty? I’m the one who needs the cleaning lady.” Oh my….the green monster was alive and well.

My envy hung on as I proceeded up the stairs to Keven’s office. He was on the phone. He turned to me, smiled, winked, then turned back around to his work.

Those few seconds confirmed for me what I am doing…and that I am doing it well, at least in my husband’s eyes. I don’t need a cleaning lady…things don’t have to be perfect to be happy.

I want my kids to be at home with me everyday. I want them to be able to make messes and smile while doing so. Those few seconds of affirmation from Keven was all I needed to wipe away any feelings of doubt about what I am doing. The envy subsided. I chose this way of life, not the other…and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

I went cheerfully on with my day.

Comments

[Dawn]

Oh, Donna, this is a beautiful and thoughtful post! Thanks for the reminder, I needed it! I also have cleaning-lady-type-neighbors who are gone all day. And I too feel that green monster some days. Their homes may be immaculate but ours are happy and homey, I like to think! :)