My husband just returned from a two week trip to to the other side of the world. The travel was long and he was in a completely different environment without the comforts of home. Thankfully, it was for a cause near and dear to our hearts so he loved every minute of it.
While he was gone, everyone who asked about his trip genuinely wanted to know how he was doing. But the funny thing was that they seemed almost as concerned with how I was coping by myself with two boys. It certainly had it’s moments, but we weren’t exactly roughing it!
Now, I’m one who absolutely loves it when my husband is home. He’s fun, a go-getter, helps around the house, rough-houses with the boys, and an all around great dad and husband. I couldn’t imagine not having him around.
But there are actually a few perks when there’s one less family member in the house (including me when I’m the one traveling).
There’s less laundry to wash. Fewer dishes to clean. Less stuff to pick up. Meal planning goes by the wayside. I even get to spread my stuff across the entire bathroom counter. And I don’t need to mention the frequent trips to the grandparent’s house for sleepovers.
People helped me left and right and I couldn’t be more grateful!
Now that our entire family is back together again, the house is a little bit of a mess. We’ve just been a tad too busy catching up on life to pick up after ourselves.
But you know what? The mess doesn’t matter. At all.
It’s actually made me think about those who would love to have a mess maker in their house. Parents who have lost a child. Single moms who do it all by themselves. Couples struggling to conceive. Widows and widowers wishing for just one more day with their spouse.
So, if you have a mess maker in your house, feel free to let it slide every once in a while. Let the socks stay on the floor. The shoes by the door. The mail on the counter.
Instead of focusing on the daily routines of life, spend time listening to each other. Take time to laugh, cry, hug, hold, wrestle, and play games together. Just enjoy being a family.
Be thankful you have mouths to cook for. Dishes to clean. Beds to make. Laundry to wash. Toys to pick up.
Be thankful for the mess.
iDreamOfClean
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautifully put! As the mother of four…three here with us and one waiting in Heaven…I must even stop and remind myself sometimes that the mess doesn’t really matter. Family IS what matters the most!
My hubby was gone for two weeks at the end of June/beginning of July, so I know what you went through. Whew. ;)
I was just talking today with a mama about how the mess will always be here, but the kids will not. We were discussing the balance of it all – when to let things go and when to teach our kids to clean. Such words of wisdom!
I LOVE this! I have to constantly remind myself that the messy house and the toys all over the place and some dishes in the sink are OK. I’m loving on my kids and that is what matters most!
I host a weekly link up, open Tues am thru Sun night, at http://www.mercyINKblog.com – would love for you to share with our little community there!
blessings,
lauren
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