reminders of what counts

I pull the wet heavy clothes from the washer and quickly make the transfer to the dryer, dropping a few pieces that have to be picked and tossed in as I close the door.  I look at each piece and think about that boy, or man, that has made my life important. 

This is the way I want to look at my duties here at home.  I want the little things to remind me of the bigger things.  The symbols of cooking and cleaning and organizing.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this place.  Not grateful in a martyr kind of way, but in a real, honest, nurturing way. 

I climb the stairs, picking up tossed church shoes on the way.  As I stand and look closely I see they belong to boy #3.  I remember when we bought them.  I had to convince him in a "trust me here" kind of way, that Steve Madden was a cool brand and that he would look great in these.  He did and he does. 

From dirty socks to homework papers to long boards,  I am trying to hold on to these chances to think about the one.  I have my private moments with each family member when they don't even know it.

20 comments

The Crash Test Dummy | August 23, 2010 at 11:36 PM

Yay! I'm first.

I lub this. You are so deep. It's so true. These objects that seems so insignificant are so meaningful if you think about what they represent. All the memories. The lub. And when that's over and they're gone, the objects take on a whole nother level of meaning.

Great perspective.

Thank you for coming by and supporting the magic quilt. I hope you find some fabric and write a deep thought provoking story. Something short and sweet. Like every single post.

P.S. When are you going to be a pop star?

Robin | August 24, 2010 at 12:10 AM

I can fully admit this is not how I see the chores I do. Something to ponder.

AnneMarie | August 24, 2010 at 1:07 AM

thanks for the perspective

Ca88andra | August 24, 2010 at 5:36 AM

I have to admit I don't see my housework in quite the same way. Maybe I should try to see another perspective!

Kim | August 24, 2010 at 8:06 AM

I don't feel any of us see housework like this until we realize what we really have and have had.

While going to school, it was another check on my list of things to get done and then suddenly it hit! These are the things that Heavenly Father sent me to do. He has asked me to take care of His children. He has trusted me with their care and I need to be grateful for every moment.

I love your perspective. Thanks for helping to bring back the magic of blogging for me.

Barbaloot | August 24, 2010 at 8:35 AM

What about when you're doing your own laundry? Do you think about all the significant things you do?

Cuz I mostly just throw that in the wash without thinking about it:) But it's not a bad idea to reflect for a second.

CiCi | August 24, 2010 at 9:30 AM

That is so sweet that you say you have private moments with each family member when they don't know it. I really like thinking that way.

Lara Neves | August 24, 2010 at 9:38 AM

Like missrobin, I totally admit to never looking at my chores this way. Wow. What a mind-blowing thing to read and think about.

Kazzy | August 24, 2010 at 12:05 PM

Barb--- LOL You crack me up!

Rebecca Blevins | August 24, 2010 at 1:40 PM

I loved this post. I need to do more nurturing thinking and less mental whining. :)

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | August 24, 2010 at 5:21 PM

That was very thoughtful.
Thank you for reminding us of the joy of doing for those we love.

Bossy Betty | August 24, 2010 at 5:22 PM

What a wonderful goal and insight too.

wendy | August 24, 2010 at 7:02 PM

wow Kazzy, you made your 365 posts. I am amazed that you did that, and they were (well the ones I READ) really meaningful.

I liked this post. We, as moms, kinda get those special memory moments, picking up our families cloths, cooking their dinner.....it is a nice way/perspective of looking at things.

I think you really have your life in order, you are a good example to me

Unknown | August 24, 2010 at 7:24 PM

You are a treasure. I have to admit - most of the time I'm thinking more along the lines of, "Ewww, I'd rather take a flamethrower to the hamper than sort that laundry."

Clearly, I need you whispering good things on my shoulder.

amber_mtmc | August 24, 2010 at 8:56 PM

This is exactly the kind of perspective I should have on doing the housework, but I am still struggling on making this happen. You have inspired me.

Kazzy | August 24, 2010 at 9:03 PM

Remember guys, I am aiming for these moments. I only rarely meet this goal. But I am sure we can all agree that something, a new mindset or some kind of intervention, is always welcome.

Melanie Jacobson | August 24, 2010 at 9:14 PM

I love this way of looking at things, too.

Stacy | August 24, 2010 at 9:34 PM

This was exactly what I needed to read tonight. Thanks.

Dedee | August 25, 2010 at 9:28 AM

I'm so very glad that you wrote this. I need to stop looking at things as annoyances and contemplate them as reminders of what I hold dear.

Thank you.

Natalie | August 29, 2010 at 7:43 PM

Thanks for this. What a great idea.