The deep clean that hasn't been done in far too long. Floors had been swept, kitchen and bathrooms were cleaned but it still needed that good clean. The one that happens "when I have time."
Our house is 40 years old and in many ways is beginning to show its age. Most all the floors need replacing. The bathrooms could use updating. We painted almost every wall when we moved in 5 years ago and they need it again.
There are so many things that I wish could be replaced now. Almost since we moved in, we have been trying to put back money for updating. Problem is, as with much of life, time to do the projects and the money to fund them rarely line up at the same time.
Sometimes it bothers me. Sometimes it bothers me more than I care to admit. Some days the list of what needs to be done grows faster than the weeds in the front bed--the yards also need to be landscaped. My husband comes home on those days when "the list" has been front and center in my mind and gets waylaid. In my mind, it is his fault. How unfair is that?!
So, as I was cleaning the other day, something hit me. The kitchen floor has scuff marks from the chairs around the table. The table where our family gathers most every night for a meal together. The table where discussions are held, games are played, and memories made. The scuff marks seemed to take on a new meaning.
The bathroom sink has little dot stains in it. I have scrubbed and tried to figure out what they were all the while wishing they would go away and that I could have a sparkly white sink. It hit me the other day what they are. They are dried (cemented, really) paint spots. Gracen rinses out her brushes in the sink.
She is growing so fast--how long will the "can I paint today" last? (It has already lasted longer than I dared hope for.) Those little yellow and blue dots are in some strange way a reminder of the creative little girl she was--and the young lady she is growing into.
Our home is not large and it is not perfect. Its walls that need to be repainted hold the laughter and love of those I hold most dear in this world. Its yard that needs some serious landscape help hold the playtime and imagination of my girl (and her dogs).
Certainly we hope and try to plan for repairs and maintenance--and we do our best to take care of them. We are blessed beyond measure to have this home. I have just come to realize that sometimes the flaws can be a great reminder of just how thankful I truly am.
4 comments:
What a fantastic attitude!
well...that's profound! I'm gonna try and apply it to my own "wish it were done five years ago" list.
Thank you, Dana...I need to hear this over and over again. Now if only I can think of my precious kids' dirty little feet running happily through the house when I'm scrubbing the carpet stains. I need a new perspective!
I have to add my thanks too. I'm about to move into a home built in the 1880's and there are LOTS of issues and problems with that house. I know the Lord wanted me to read your post so I would think about the blessings and memories that will be made inside those less than perfect walls, above those slanted floors, under those flaking ceilings, and within that frustrating kitchen. We are so blessed in the important things! Rich indeed!!!! :D
Love you Dana!
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