The Ordinary Day Dance

I had a problem today.  My house was messy, and I don't like living in a messy house.  I had another problem, too.  I was really pretty ticked off about the mess, and having to be the person who either cleaned it, or motivated other people to clean it.  I wanted a magic wand, thank you very much.

I checked my broom closet, but, alas, no wand!

And so, since the disorder really was making me nuts, I rolled out some good music, and my cleaning supplies.  I do this thing where I set the timer, and start tackling the dishes, or another really needed task.  Usually by the time the timer goes off, I have made a considerable dent in the task at hand and I feel motivated to keep going . . .or I feel like I have permission to let myself stop, if I want to stop.  It works for me, for some reason . . .

I did a lot of thinking about my rotten attitude while I cleaned.  I even printed out a copy of this poem that I found awhile ago and really like:

A Kitchen Prayer

Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I’ve not time to be

A saint by doing lovely things or watching late with Thee

Or dreaming in the dawn light or storming Heaven’s gates

Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates.

Although I must have Martha’s hands, I have a Mary mind

And when I black the boots and shoes, Thy sandals, Lord I find.

I think of how they trod the earth, what time I scrub the floor

Accept this meditation Lord, I haven’t time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace

Forgive me all my worrying and make my grumbling cease.

Thou who didst love to give men food, in room or by the sea

Accept this service that I do, I do it unto Thee.

-Author Unknown

And  later I did a little poetry writing of my own, because this really IS one of my New Year's Resolutions.

The Ordinary Day Dance

Today I'm going to do the

Ordinary Day Dance

I really will stop and smell the roses

And look beyond the flaws and see

All the potential surrounding me

I’m going to revel in how hot, soapy dishwater feels

And delight in a freshly scrubbed spot on my floor

I will smile when  I start the laundry,

Step happily into this life I live

And love the mundane that is mine

Be well, all.

~ Love, Jenn