You know when you're talking to a girlfriend and she says, "You should see my house!" and then you say, "No way. You should see MY house."? The toys, the piles of laundry to be folded, the dishes in the sink, the unswept floors, the dusty mantle, the remnants of breakfast still on the table, the dining room table turned amateur crafters' corner, and the list goes on. You get it, right?
During this season of my life, with three littles under the age of five, this is the default state of my house. I'm not proud of it, just keepin' it real. I'm actually becoming more accepting of this "new normal" and have realized that having a clean and tidy home is not always all it's cracked up to be (tell THAT to my Type A personality). Our house is lived in in a big-time way. And the more I look at the toys and the laundry, the more it all just fades away. The feeling that I keep coming back to is more about what I want my "house" to look like for God. What do I want others to see in my "house", our life, that is glorifying to God? I want others to see a soft place to fall. I want people to see our devotion to raising our children in the ways of the Lord, not in the ways of the world. I want others to see that we are using the gifts and talents that God has given us and impacting those around us. I want people to see how He is moving in our lives and know that it can be the same for them too. I want to be able to say to my girlfriends, "You should see my house!" and be really, really proud of it. I want to hear God whisper, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I know that He is not asking for perfection, just dedication, trust and a willing heart.
***
Thanks to all of you sweet folks who have left comments and encouragement here on my lil' ol' blog. They always put a huge smile on my face and confirm that this is all good. Stay tuned for a picture palooza this week and next...our little guy turns one on Thursday and we have lots to show off. :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Paul and I went to see some friends at their house for the first time over the weekend. Just yesterday we were talking about how refreshing, yet warm it was to see a lived in house (like ours). It was great to see a few days of mail on the counter, cases of pop and water not yet put away, a few pairs of shoes at the door,the morning dishes in the sink. Everything said "home" to us. I love color, cute things and coziness, but when a house looks like a model home, I feel uncomfortable. I don't relax, I don't want to stay...it feels really odd. So "yay" for you(and for me), for letting go of some perfectionism! =0)
Amen to what Kammi said.
Loved this post, Amanda.
Enjoy Jack's birthday!! Can't wait to see the photos.
Amanda--I LOVE your blog--its awesome...Thank you for sharing--the pics, the random thoughts and yes--the comedy---love it
Talk to you soon
Post a Comment