A Pile of Dishes
Now, our God, we give our thanks, and praise your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:13
At the end of a busy day, regardless of what else happened around you, there is a certain amount of victory in heading to bed with an empty kitchen sink.
In the past I’ve introduced you to laundry mountain. Today, I’d like you to meet my dishes. I took this picture before I even finished filling the sink. And imagine the pile if I didn’t have a load in the dishwasher at the very moment!
I'm starting this week by choosing to see the pile of dirty dishes as a sign of victory, rather than defeat. Let me tell you why:
These dishes remind me that we have food enough to feed our family.
The number of dirty dishes remind me that I have daughters who want to help. And that by releasing control, especially in the number of dishes used, they can practice independence.
These extra containers in the pile remind me that we have bounty enough to save some from one meal to the next.
These dishes remind me of the interactions the girls request while we’re at the table. They usually pick “Would You Rather." It makes mealtime longer, but I can't imagine missing out on all those giggles.
These dishes remind me that I have time and space for a choice. I can choose to do the dishes or, as I did this weekend, I can choose to leave them and spend time with the kids. This time it looked like 5 of the 6 of us on the couch watching “Cool Runnings.”
Honestly, I would still rather go to bed every night with an empty kitchen sink. It feels accomplished and clean. But on the 4-5 nights a week it just doesn’t work out that way, I will choose to thank God for the little victories inside of the mess.
What can you let go of a little this week in order to be more present with those you love?
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