Little messes

Well, all is OFTEN not sunshine and flowers here. For example, Tuesday I was hosting Bunko at my house. I wanted everything just right, so I spent all day cooking and cleaning. Right there...that's where the trouble started with those two statements. Things actually rocked along pretty well, but I was behind in what I wanted to accomplish the entire day. The frustrating thing was, I had to feed these little critters, or find something, or solve a problem, or break up a fight, etc EVERY few minutes. At least, that is what I felt like. I felt guilty for feeling like they were in the way. And, of course, Seth spilled an entire cup of purple grape juice on the floor (it was a risk, I know, but 9 times out of 10 it doesn't get spilled--who knew this was the one time? But I should have known...). Scott, bless his soul, was home early and mowing the lawn. He then took Seth to Sears with him, but Blane was still sleeping when he left, so I couldn't send him. Zac had to discuss different measures with me for a school project, so we rounded up quarts, pints, liters, cups and tablespoons--that took time. Then the kids needed dinner, so I sent them outside for a "picnic" on the benches. Blane tumped over his milk and was inconsolable until I cleaned it up. There were several complaints about the menu from someone who shall remain nameless but who was born between Zac and Blane. Zac needed extra cheese. They ALL needed me NOW. All within the hour before my guests were to arrive. Scott was going to take them to visit Grandma and eat Baskin Robbins during Bunko, and I was just wanting everyone to go NOW.

I was thinking the other day about a story I heard. A man was complaining about the money he was spending on his son. Another man replied, "I know what you mean. I spent lots of money on my son. But he died in a car wreck last year, and now, I don't spend one penny on him. Right now, I would give anything to be spending money on my son."

I know it is normal and natural to get frustrated with the little inconveniences and messes my sons create, especially when I am under a deadline (and pressure, I must admit, that is largly my own creation). I just want to remember that I want to be "spending" for my sons--that means they are here with me now. No matter what the little messes are, I must not forget that truth.