Monday, November 10, 2008

Sometimes it is the Little Things. . .



Today at our humble, worn down, and lately weary little homestead, I lit some candles. I was given a lavender, Autumn, and Tangerine candle as gifts (thank you, YOU) and I lit them in separate rooms after the whole family worked together.

I asked for a little help tonight but planned to do the majority of it myself. I was given a tremendous blessing in the service of helping hands.
My back was hurting after washing dishes and leaning into the dishwasher for the third time today so my husband said he’d wash the rest. This man doesn’t do dishes. No, he is not a happy dish washer and it is actually at the top of his “hate this job” list in home life. I tell you this to reveal what a gift him performing this action truly was.

Our teen daughter worked from room to room with a lot less complaining over the music her dad played than usual. This isn’t to say she was singing with the Bee Gee’s and I can’t deny hearing more than one shriek of: “WHAT is WRONG with his voice”?! Sorry, child. It is called talent and the screaming bands of today aren’t all familiar with what that actually means. She made it through trying to block out the music as she went.

Our five year old really didn’t help. He actually had his door removed for awhile because he won’t quit slamming it. Working on a few behavioral issues there as is obvious by the door deal. One day at a time, sweet Jesus!

I share all of this because the difference I feel in the aftermath is astounding.

The finances aren’t any better.

There are still more loads of laundry to hang than lines (and we have five decent sized lines) with sheets and blankets needing a good wash.

The air conditioning still isn’t working.

We still don't have the heat turned on for the winter.

There is still a lot of work to do.

And yet…

I am calm and I type in an air of contentment.

The little things can sometimes end up bounding over the big things.
What I mean is… washing dishes, wiping down counters, sweeping floors, tidying cushions and lighting candles are done daily around here. They usually don’t seem to make much of a difference. Then, a day like today comes up and having all of us working on these together … made them amazing.

Rose oil simmers slowly in the little snowflake burner my sister got me one year and this essential oil is known to help balance out emotions or moods. It is just right tonight…