Thursday, June 03, 2010

Work (TTT #130)



There are clothes waiting to be folded and put away as I write this. I am thankful for the clothes, for my hands that can fold, and for the loved ones that wear the clothes. I grumble about laundry. It is a basic chore that challenges me. I am thankful for my laundry.

Toys are all over my living room. I didn't take the effort to put them away last night, or better yet, get the kids to put them away. That's unusual for me. I will clean up this morning. I am thankful for the well-loved items that get enjoyed each day by my children. I am thankful I get to take care of them.

Believe it or not, my kitchen isn't clean (what did I do last night?). I left a pot in the sink to be washed. Now the breakfast bowls are piled on that. My counter is littered with paperwork. I had to complete a project yesterday and I needed to be in the central living zone. So, my printer was temporarily moved to the kitchen counter along with my computer. My kitchen is a gathering place. I am thankful that it gets used daily. I am thankful for the food that I put in my kids lunches today. I am thankful that they like to bring lunch from home. I am thankful that I can provide food for my family.

There's more...

In moments, my son will stumble down the stairs. I heard him get up a few minutes ago and then go back to bed. I am thankful that I will be here to help him start his day. He will be needy. And, his sister will wake up rearing to go. I will be in-demand. I am thankful that they call me Mom (aka, Momma or Mommy, depending on the child). I am thankful for the little things throughout the day... those things that sometimes make me think, "Really? Can't I just have a sec?" I'm faced with constant mundane tasks that challenge me only because of the time demands and the noise levels. The challenge is outweighed by the joy the work provides. I love the hugs, the smiles, the, "I love you this much" arms open wide.

In these moments of my life, I am just a stay-at-home mom. I cringe when I write that on forms. That's work, too, recognizing my job and being comfortable in it.

I am thankful for the work within my days.

Here comes that thump, thump of little feet down the stairs...

"So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work..." Ecc. 3:22

7 comments:

RLR said...

We got a new car recently. On the paperwork, I'm considered 'unemployed.' :(
Thanks for reminding me what special work I am doing. I don't always do my best at cherishing this opportunity.

Brandi said...

Awww, you make a messy house sound so nice. Thank you. Now I will just smile at all my messes. :)

Have a great day!

samantha said...

I'm so happy I read this. I can't stand writing that on forms either. I always feel like I'm lazy or don't want to go out and get a job. Ugh when in fact I'm doing one of the hardest jobs in the world.

John and Carrie said...

Wow. This is just what I needed today! Thank you!

Everyday Kathy said...

I just featured you in my "Gratitude Hop" over at Everyday Bliss. I love your blog and I wanted everyone to know!

McCrakensx4 said...

What an awesome post! Love it! You do a great job Jane Anne and being 'just' a stay at home mom was my most favortitest job in the whole entire world. I am lucky (& thankful) that I am able to do both (since I have to work!)... School during school and SAHM in the summer!

Jen said...

Thank you for putting into words all the things I should be thinking instead of going about my day grumbling about the mess :) I SHOULD be thankful for every darn thing in this house - people, things, chores & such, and I appreciate the reminder. And I always put 'homemaker' on those forms :)