Gratitude in Chaos
I thrive on schedules, lists and structure. I am not a super organized person by nature, though I wish I were. With little ones it is even more of a struggle to find that rhythm and stay on task.
The past few weeks, however, I was finding more structure, planning a new morning routine and seven months after a difficult birth, things were finally getting back to normal.
Just when I get comfortable I am reminded that I am not in control.
Just before he was to spend Sunday afternoon working on our garden plot, my husband injured his back. Sunday and Monday were spent resting in bed or in a comfrey bath. Tuesday he was able to work for part of the day, but eventually the pain of sitting in a desk chair all day became too much for him. Today may be similar to yesterday. After work we draw him baths while he stretches and rests in bed.
I never realized how much of my job he does in one form or another. I am surrounded by laundry piles – dirty and clean. Our kitchen counters, stove top and dining table are invisible as they house dirty dishes, cans and trash. Our floors haven’t been vacuumed in a week and I’m pretty sure our toilet is unsuitable for the general public.
Especially after this morning.
After a couple of weeks on an almost GAPS diet, my toddler is starting to show the early signs of healing – *ahem* loose bowel movements. He is mostly potty trained and had yet to have a #2 accident, until this morning. He wasn’t wearing a diaper or cloth training pants. It was a mess. Papa was in the tub, which lately takes at least an hour to drain, so my plan of just sticking him in a bath didn’t work out so well.
(Does anyone have drain-cleaning ideas beyond baking soda, boiling water, vinegar, washing soda?)
Our poor, fussy baby was in the middle of a feeding when this all went down. He was not pleased to be interrupted.
Speaking of fussy babies… Monday I wondered why he was so clingy, cranky and waking up several times in the night. Now with one tooth poking through his drool-laden gums it is obvious – he is teething. Poor guy.
Needless to say our home is not exactly peaceful at the moment. Things could be much worse, though, and all trials are for a reason.
I am learning some tough lessons…
- There is no point in feeling sorry for myself. It just wastes time and energy.
- Prayer is the one thing that can refocus a desperate moment.
- When the rubber meets the road you see what you are truly leaning on.
I’m finding much to be thankful for…
- early morning quiet time.
- a washing machine.
- two faces that can brighten any day: mr. big eyes and mr. smiles miles.
- leftover taco salad for breakfast.
- free coffee samples *smile*.
- a toddler who loves to “write with the markers” and puts the caps back on his own way (see lead photo). I love it.
Isn’t that the truth! When the rubber meets the road, you find what you’re truly leaning on. I pray you would lean on the Rock.
Thank you for your honesty… and your thankfulness!
Amy Ellen’s last blog post..Parmesan, Kale and Portabello Quiche
this too shall past. and, hopefully for you sooner than later. I admire your perspective.
Denise’s last blog post..Must be Wednesday
My routines and structure never last very long either. I’ve just learned (leaning) to be flexible and let God order my steps.
Sharon’s last blog post..He is God Today!
I too had a slow draining bathtub. I took a wire coathanger and untwisted the top then poked it down the drain. It took a few times but I was usually able to get stuff out. It was usually a bunch of hair. So, then I would do this about every 6 months or so…
good luck
Hang in there. The bad stuff seems unbearable when we’re in the thick of it. This too shall pass — something my grandmother used to say all the time.
Nancy’s last blog post..Spring ~ In the Air
i just wanted to thank you for the chicken stock recipe i have just made it and can’t wait to use it!
good luck with the domestics – as bad as it gets i wouldn’t have it any other way!
louise’s last blog post..making stock
I hear you…I know my dh helps a LOT, but I never realize just how much till he’s gone again.
On the drain, if you’re fairly sure there is no obstruction, try mixing first the baking soda, then the vinegar INTO your boiling water, then pouring that down the drain. I read this tip somewhere, and it seems to work better than putting the ingredients down separately. If that’s what you’re already doing, I’d probably ask the landlord to have it rotorooted.
Not sure how I found your blog but have been enjoying it for a while. I hope your husband is feeling a bit better this weekend. You are so right about how much a man does help even when it sometime feels like they don’t. My dh travels a lot and that’s when I notice it too.
I’ve also been enjoying your grain free advice. I found (20 years ago when I was in college) that oats were a huge source of sluggishness and headaches. I still can’t eat them and don’t allow my children to eat anything with oats. People think I am nuts because oats are supposed to be so healthy. I just know that when I eat something with oats it triggers a terrible headache. Also my kids don’t have that pale vacant look that so many kids have. I attribute to a low grain (no oats) diet. Well that and no television. 😉
Saying a pray for a return to normal for you.
nina’s last blog post..Thoughts and a winner
Glad to have found you here, S! It was so lovely to see you Friday evening! Thanks for coming out. I appreciate the no-grains, but I felt bad you couldn’t have pizza! 🙂
I look forward to reading more on your blog. It looks fascinating and right up my alley! xo
Amanda’s last blog post..Such a Find!
we have desk chairs at home that are made out of pinewood, pine seems to be a good wood for desk chairs’,”
Thank you for this post. I laugh because it reminds me of our house. I cannot imagine mothering and homemaking without having God as my strength and having Him keep me throughout the day.