Joy and Meaning in the Mundane

After all the fun we've been having the last couple of weeks, it was time to come down to earth and reality for a moment. Our house was in need of a good scrub down. We spent the morning shopping for groceries and I had to get some of the Method Cucumber cleaner my friend Lisa was going on about. (she was totally right, it does smell good and works great!).

After lunch, the kids and I got busy. We did all those things you do when you clean: changed sheets, scrubbed toilets and baths, dusted, vacuumed. I even bought some new pans to go under my burners. All the while I had my iPod going. Listening to a random shuffle of music.

As I was cleaning, I kept thinking about what a boring day this had been. Productive ~ definetely, but not FUN! I am all about the Fun and love going and doing with my kids. I guess being a teacher, I am fully blessed to have the summers off with them. But as each day passes it is bitter-sweet because it is one day less before we head back to school. And I certainly don't want to waste a day making my house clean.

As I was finishing up my cleaning, I actually took a moment to pray (should have done that from the beginning...) and I asked the Lord what do you want to show me today while I clean. (I didn't leave him much time as all I had left to do was dust a few stray cobwebs and vacuum). But He doesn't need much time. Remember that iPod I had going, a song came on that I like, but bothers me to some degree. It was Matt Redman's - Blessed Be Your Name. I like the song, but it is hard for me to listen to. I struggle with consistently opening my hands to the Lord and letting Him do whatever He feels is necessary. I am a control freak and want everything to go the way I want it to go. So it is hard for me to say Blessed be Your Name when things are difficult and scary.

While that song played, I was reminded that we are to bless HIS name when it abundant (or fun), but also when it is hard (or just mundane). That He is a God who is always good, even when we don't understand. This week I've heard of two mothers losing their children. One a seven-year old daughter who died suddenly from an enlarged heart and another one who lost her 17 year old son while he tried to see who could hold his breath the longest while under water. Such tragedy. And I wonder how in the midst of those times do you say, "Blessed be Your Name". I think in those times the Lord must give you the strength and the peace to say that. I hope and most earnestly pray that I never have to experience that kind of pain and suffering.

So for me as I was reminded of that, I found great JOY in cleaning with my kids. To have the time to do it during the week, so our weekend with James will be free. To have healthy kids that I get to clean with (I was imagining how those mothers would love to have a day to clean with their child who had passed away). To even have a house to clean. To have a house where each of our kids can have their own rooms to keep picked up. That we have clothes and sheets that need to be washed and a refrigerator full of good, healthy food. To have a house that smells good from that great cucumber cleaner (and a pot roast in the oven!). That today, my kids have NOT argued at all. They have helped each other with their rooms. When finished they came and asked me what they could do next to help me. Such pleasant attitudes today.

Thank you, Lord for reminding me that you are truly a good Daddy who loves me and when I take a moment to reflect on you, I see great joy in my clean home.