There are days (like today)
when dishes pile up like towers
while my boys pile on each other
then crash to the ground.
sometimes with shrieks of laughter.
or tears.
i am comforter, “please make-it-better”
and “don’t do that again” today
(well, every day).
laundry overflows
and so does my mind. sometimes.
my to-do list.
my wish list.
my list of lists (there is an app for that)
and, i forgot to water the plants in my vegetable garden.
again.
a garden? what was i thinking?
it just adds to the tasking and my tomatoes are wilting.
but their eyes. their tiny dirty hands.
the thrill, as we planted them together.
and water them-
(please be careful with the hose, my love. you got mommy all wet.)
again.
my heart, it is overwhelmed too.
in quiet time. when they nap in the daytime
and i watch the baby, snuggled with her bunny.
it smells sweet like cantaloupe.
its ears are well-sucked. and a little sticky.
and my curly-mopped boy, entwined with his blanket.
it is filthy and well-loved.
i could learn a lot from them.
and i do.
there is no time for washing,
no time to be away from what you love most.
the wear, the tears.
the dirt.
the imperfections.
are signs of a thing that is cherished,
that is used,
that is lived with,
and loved.
and in the quiet,
i pray that my home will not shine today
but be well-worn.
well-used.
and well-loved.
that my clothes are not perfect,
but stained with tears, and mud from planting and chocolate.
and i am grateful for being able to see anew.
to see past my own expectations,
and let go.
I thank my God for my babies
for this day and the dishes.
for these fleeting moments…
and let them in.
Co-editor Stephanie Beaty is a blessed mama of three children and military spouse. After a 10-year career as a professional writer/PR pro she began Lifeography, a modern child + family portrait studio where she focuses on capturing relationships and connections. Although her growing family currently resides in Virginia Beach, Va., home is wherever the Navy sends them. Write to her at hello@lifeographer.com.
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