I've been noticing a theme among the strong Catholic women that I follow through their blogs: they are tired, they are discouraged, they are trying to find the light. This disturbed me.
How could I find the faith if these ladies were having problems? After all, I'm only little ole me, and these ladies are well-thought of, vocal, published, important women.
Maybe that's the issue... I'm not helping them keep their lighthouse burning, by not keeping my candle burning. The light in my heart needs to be strong to help them.
So, I took a small step this morning: instead of allowing myself to be mad at K for not doing dishes last night, I just did them!
And, it only took THREE MINUTES!
I was holding those ugly thoughts for longer than that.
Those three minutes allowed me to realize that the flow of the house, our health, and our mental well-being work better when Mom isn't cranky and the house is at least straightened up.
So, I took another THREE MINUTES to wipe down the stove and the cupboards. It'll take more than three minutes to go through the dumping zone of the cupboard top, but if I break it down into three minute segments, I bet I'll just keep at it, and the house will feel better. If the house is clean, it is that much easier to keep it clean.
So, STAND BACK SATAN and let me do my little part to keep my candle burning and help these public woman stay strong in the fight to enlighten and enrich others with the FAITH!
Amen Sister!! I too have to wage the battle against the mess monster on a daily basis. When my little helpers fall down on their job it makes me cranky and of course I growl while doing what they should have or said they would do. Thank you for inspireing me to try to do it with out growling. Have a great day three minutes at a time!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
I'm just popping in here after noticing your posting in Testosterhome.net and I have to say you have style! Keep it up! Keep that Communion of Saints and Theology of Work mix together with your feet firmly on the ground!! God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI never noticed how long I do a chore. Lately, though, I've been working on having the kids help and if that fails then just do it. The kids get a reminder, but I don't yell at them. I have noticed that when my temper comes on quick and snaps, that's when I growl. I try to make my "Stand Back Satan" moments one minute at a time--by saying an OUR FATHER. But I think we're on the right track, Traci. I think we need to pull up our big girl panties, get things done, give gentle reminders, and remember our one-minute or three minutes at a time theory. Love you!
ReplyDeleteKrista
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ReplyDeleteThe chains of self-pity are heavy and rarely do I notice that they have crept about my neck yet again.
ReplyDelete2012 resolution for every "bad" thing/think I have, I must come up with a "good" thing/think.
Love you, Sis.