The Treasure in the Mess {Reflections of a Recovering Clean-Freak}

There’s a piece of scotch tape on the window, and permanent marker on the wall, hidden behind the well-worn sofa.
 
Fingerprints “decorate” our doorway and the once-flawless hardwoods, these days, remain coated with smudges, crumbs, spills.
 
You can find a toy in every corner of our modest home, and the bathroom smells of the scent that only a little boy could produce.
All the while our laundry basket overfloweth, clothes climbing the wall behind like a healthy vine.
 
 
My life is messy,
But my heart is full.
 
The mess still gets to me sometimes. But not so much.
Because now…

That tape- it reminds me of the birthday party my kids threw for Nana last year. The boys excitedly decorated with purple balloons and a homemade sign expressing their adoration.

That was a great day.
 
The marker stain that even a magic eraser couldn’t heal reminds me that the years are ticking away at a very uncomfortable pace...

Two years ago we couldn’t turn our backs on our fearless Little Middle without him destroying something, but now he’s five years old and off to Pre-K. Learning. Growing. Maturing.
 
The fingerprints adorning every glass surface turn my thoughts toward my kids’ personalities- each one distinctly unique.
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I continue to be in awe of their individual quirks and differences.
 
And as for those hardwoods…?
Well, I think the imperfections makes them look homier, don’t you? (wink)
 
You see, I’m beginning to learn how to treasure the imperfections of life and be thankful for I have— instead of all focusing my time, energy and thoughts on what I wish could be instead.
 
For surely there is a woman out there…
Longing for tiny fingerprints on her window.
 
A mom, praying for enough food that there would even be crumbs on her floor.
 
A family, wishing their Nana were still around to celebrate another year with a balloon, a homemade sign and a hug.
 
“They” say you don’t always know what you had until it’s gone…
But I say: Unless.
 
Unless you slow down, and really take in your surroundings.
Unless you take a moment to appreciate something you normally take for granted.
Unless you speak the words “Thank You.”
 
To God.
To your spouse.
To loved ones, and even strangers.
 
It’s a simple, yet life-altering change of perspective.
To discover the wonder, the treasure in the mess.