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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Just For This Moment... A Good Thing


My house is clean. (Well, not the toilets but only because we were out of Comet, so that will happen tomorrow.) The den has been vacuumed and the pillows on the couch have been freshly plumped and arranged. The laundry is actually all put away. There is a homemade chicken pie bubbling in the oven and a pot of black-eyed peas simmering on the stove. The kitchen floor has been swept, the counters wiped, the sink scoured with bleach.

What's more, I spent time with my kids today-- took them out to Pizza Hut to use their Book-It coupons. I also bought them a set of Tinkertoys at the used homeschool store-- remember those? They have played and played with them this afternoon instead of watching tv. At lunch today, we sat and talked and I remembered to smile.

Any moment, my husband will walk in the door from a four day trip to a totally clean house, happy children, and a homemade dinner.

Just for this moment, I feel capable. I feel like I can actually do this thing called motherhood. It is only a moment, but I had to share it with someone. Because, you see, these moments don't come often.

I am choosing to be thankful they come at all!
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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Marybeth I have not had one of those moments in a long time. I need to go to the library and get the book "The Surrendering Wife" again. When I read this book I am not so mad at everyone for NOT DOING ANYTHING. hahaha We had a talk today about this has to stop, I am not a maid or a waitress. Oh the joys of motherhood. Love your blogging.

Heather said...

Good for you! A lot of work behind the scenes for that kind of day, I suspect (if it's anything like my home:) And, you are wise to enjoy it! Your family sounds lovely! Here's to more days like that!!

Oh Dear said...

Congratulations on your day! What a great feeling!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing. I have an 8 month old, and I am in awe at how you accomplish so much. I am still learning how to accomplish everything I did before and be a good new mommy. There are nights I think I finally got this, but most nights I wonder how I'm going to do this. Thank you, it's nice to know you don't always feel capable. I know you've mentioned some of these things before, but the way you worded it today, just tugged at my heart strings and gave me some comfort.
Thank you and have a blessed day.
Ang

Alyce said...

I can so relate! Isn't it wonderful when everything in the house is done..such an awesome feeling of accomplishment. I have more time w/ my kids..Those times don't happen for me often enough either.

Unknown said...

This is my favorite blog post that you've ever shared. (Not that I don't love all the others too...) ;) That was perfectly, simply and profoundly honest. Hugs to you and your family from Indiana! Blessings!

Monique said...

Those moments sure don't last long! It's amazing how you can think everything is under control and a split second you feel completely defeated and sitting on the floor crying over spilled milk. Just ask me how I know this!

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

How do you gather up words and make this lump swell in my throad, Marybeth?

For me, that feeling of feeling capable is startling evasive. Achingly, painfully so. I rarely feel like I can do this thing called Life well ... when the laundry is all caught up and the floors are washed and there is a steaming good meal on the table, our enemy sneaks in and whispers how I am behind in emails, how I have thousands of pictures not organized, how the garden needs weeding.

Can I grab your hand and rejoice with you?!! For your glorious, happy moment! (I wonder if, in some ways, they are more satsifying than paper and keyboard accomplishments?) And yes, to beat back the enemy's lies with gratitude for THIS moment, for THIS grace, for all that IS gloriosuly good!

How I love you.

All, all my love,
Ann