Full Circle

Extraordinary in the Ordinary

I unload the dishwasher a lot around here. It seems that every time I turn around, that dang thing is either clean and ready to put away or dirty and needing to be turned on.

I have also spent a fair amount of time doing laundry. I turn my back and right away, a load is there waiting to be washed, dried, folded or ironed.

Life seems pretty monotonous right now. It is filled with the “have to do’s”. Lunches need to be made, soccer games and practices driven to, dinner served, baths done, homework completed. It’s a list that never seems to get checked off.

As I was putting Desta down for a nap today, I was having a pity party for myself. Whining to myself about all the things I have put on hold in order to be a mom. I wasn’t too happy actually.

As I lay there, this thought came to my mind. It was my “Aha” moment today.

“This is it. This is my last baby that I get to lie next to and cuddle with while she drifts off to sleep. This is my last chance to listen to lullabies and whisper words of peace and comfort when she gets scared. This is it. The others don’t need me like this. ”

I then I said “I’m sorry” to myself. I’m sorry that I complained about doing one of the best jobs in the whole world…the job of being a mommy.

Yes, the dishwasher unloading is frankly so irritating. One of my LEAST favorite chores EVER. BUT I am so thankful for all those loads I get to unload because it means I’m living with a family. I’m so thankful for the multiple loads of laundry I get to wash and dry because it means there are people who live with me who are LIVING, breathing, playing, working.

There will come a time, I see it approaching quickly, where I will be alone. My children will be gone and I will no longer have the joy of caring for them. In these moments of mundane, help me not forget the privilege that comes with it!