 |
|
|
I’m a well-trained multi-tasker and control freak. I can tidy up a home faster than anyone can say, “Swiffer.”
I’m also a housewife to one darling professional channel surfer, and mother to two simply adorable offspring who leave trails wherever they go. The amount of work they generate can surpass a total remodel of the Biltmore Estate.
I may sometimes complain, but after all is said and done, I’m known as one to bask in the glow of a spotless home. However, cleaning up after my family is as stressful as walking a tightrope and as enjoyable as eyebrow waxing and childbirth combined.
Recently, while accomplishing some chores, I balanced my fifth load of folded laundry in my two arms. Never mind the collection of dirty socks I held under my chin and the newspapers I balanced on my head. I even managed to hold a dust cloth with the only two free fingers of my right hand. I looked like a circus freak as I performed those duties all at once with double-jointed ease. All I needed was a tight rope, a unicycle, and a monkey on my back and those clowns at the circus would have nothing on me.
I know if I ever tire of my thrilling stay-at-home career, I’ll have a place with Ringling Brothers. They’d hire me in a heartbeat. I could be immediately spotted in a crowd from my dopey, glazed-over, “I’m a frustrated housewife” look and the ringmaster would offer me a job out of pity.
Pity’s not such a bad thing sometimes.
So what if the downside is the elephant dung I’d have to deal with. At least I wouldn’t have to clean it up. It’ll be a welcome reprieve from the mess I always have at home. I’d even get paid!
As the moments ticked by, the option was beginning to look mighty attractive.
While I proudly performed my balancing act, sarcasm rolled off my tongue and got the better of me. I blurted to my husband. “Oh…don’t worry, dear…I’ve got it -- I don’t need any help…really. It’s all under control.”
Of course, it was under control. I always saw to it. No one could quadruple task like I could. But, a little help when and where I wanted it would be great…and I’d like it yesterday, please.
My husband was watching television and I knew that what I just said was wasted on a deaf, comatose guy. He didn’t even have the courtesy to grunt or say “Yes, dear” in response. A strange phenomenon occurs when he becomes one with the television. Intrusive voices mysteriously render his ears useless. It just wasn’t worth the bother of repeating myself. Anyway, I needed the extra breath and energy to make it through the house as a contortionist.
While I allowed him his mini-vacation away from reality on the recliner, I neatly tucked the laundry away while I dusted every furniture surface I passed. I pondered how I’d continue to keep up with the daily grind and the mess my family of four makes on a daily basis, and how he’s the one in the recliner.
Go figure.
Anyway, I love my family to pieces and even feel blessed to care for them, but I’m beginning to realize that keeping it all under control is a feat too difficult for just one person.
Just then, the “aha” moment hit me and knocked the newspapers clear off my head. Thankful for the relief of pressure from the huge stack, my brain was then able to receive proper blood flow and process the fact that God’s the One who wants the control. He’s the One who would rather tidy up all the issues that I try to handle myself. I’ve been interfering with His job more often than not.
Shame on me.
I find myself in control of the house, the finances, the kids and the worries that can often go along with them. Not to mention, the past, the future and the present moment. I should enjoy the fact that God wants to handle all things and that I should just take a load off without that darn Swiffer and a cleaning schedule in my hand to distract me.
As I soaked in my newest revelation, I wondered if God could also be my free ticket out of housework. And, more importantly…does He do windows?
Perhaps, there’s no better time to join the circus.
After all, God’s got everything under control!
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
|
|
|
