This month, I’m substituting in the Home category here at Families.com. As I sit here in my living room, I have to laugh. Me? Blog about the home? Let me draw you a picture.
My computer desk is completely trashed—papers, pens, receipts, and books are piled everywhere. Behind me, the couch is stacked with clean laundry. Toys are scattered all across the floor. I’m not sure if the carpet needs to be vacuumed – I can’t see it. The dishes are done, but only courtesy of my husband. If he hadn’t done them, they’d be up to the ceiling.
Yes, today has been one of those days. I’ve had deadlines to reach, goals to meet, appointments to keep, and in the grand scheme of things, every one of them has been more important than housework.
But let me share what did get done today. My children felt loved and were warm and happy. Religious observances were kept. I exercised and ate healthy food. I spent time in loving communication with my husband.
I would love to have a spotless house. I would love it if someone could drop by unexpectedly and not be startled at what they saw when I opened the door. But that’s not reality. In reality, we all do the best we can, and some days, housework has to be the task on the bottom of the totem pole.
But what really makes a home? Isn’t it love? And as long as love remains the top priority, does it really matter if the laundry is done?
I don’t know about you, but I’d sure rather have a home where everyone is content, and step over some Legos on the floor, than to stress myself at times when I really can’t afford it. I know that tomorrow is coming. Tomorrow will be a quieter day, and I plan to clean the living room, do the laundry, and … get this … make my bed. For today, I’ve done the best I can. For today, I took care of the most important things. And as long as that’s what I do every day, that’s how it should be. The reality is, making a home isn’t accomplished by dusting all the furniture, even though that’s awesome. A home is made with love, and everything else is icing on the cake.
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Frugal Homemaking: A Thoughtful Space