I know that this does not look like much of a blessing, but I try to remind myself to see it as such. The letter below is posted on my refrigerator. Hank and I both read it often as a reminder to enjoy every inch of the mess. The letter comes from Ann Voskamp's website: A Holy Experience with God (http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/08/weekends-are-for-unseen/). After reading it, I hope that you might come to see your dirty dishes, tracked floors, and piles of laundry as a blessing too. :0)
Dear Ann
All of my chicks have left the nest. They are rearing and nurturing their own.
It’s funny that all of the messy piles of unfolded laundry and the mail and important papers that lined the counter, the things I longed to have put in order when they were here — are still here.
But, they and their sounds and their smells, the fragrance of their presence have gone. Drifted into the memories I hold and cherish.
I do not live in the past but I would love to have one more day when I hear their laughter and their conversation drift down the stairs and the aroma of their shampoo from their bath and the clamour of books and items being prepared for school.
Just the joy of their daily lives intertwined with mine and their activities shared with me hourly. It all escaped too suddenly.
There were many days I wished for just a little quiet. Now the quiet is sometimes way too loud.
So, a little revelation from one who has been where you are, in the middle of domestic chaos:
They are all a real sign of real life going on around you. Life to be loved and lived and devoured one minute at a time.
If only there were a way to lasso the days and slow them down and hold on to each moment and each child. If only!
Your friend in Christ,
Anna Margaret in Louisiana
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