After a restless night, I was rudely awakened by the sounds of footsteps and chatter just outside my bedroom door; the hallway hardwood floor might as well have been canyons. This was unusual–my daughter and her two friends typically sleep in when spending the night together. Today they had plans, though, so necessity dictated they rise before the earliest of birds had even begun thinking of worms.
Seeing how they had finally gone to bed around 3 a.m.–"We couldn't stop talking…"–I'm sure in hindsight there was some regret about not calling it a night earlier, but I hardly felt sorry for them. Their lack of sleep was due to choice; mine wasn't.
I stumbled to the kitchen following the invisible trail of caffeine, hoping aroma and drink would bring me to life. I found the coffee pot alright, but I also found the sink that was empty last night full of dirty dishes. The dishwasher was full of clean.
My 16-year-old son also had two friends over, and between the (c o u n t i n g…) SEVEN teenagers in my house, every bowl, cup and spoon had been used.
Indignance began to rise in my person.
As an at-home mom, I take care of most domestic responsibilities, all the while teaching my able-bodied teenage children how to do the same. They make their own beds, clean room and bathroom, vacuum common areas, help with laundry, and whatever else we delegate.
Unloading the dishwasher is at the top of their chore list, so unless absolutely necessary, I rarely do that for them. This morning was not one of those days I felt inclined.
With the girls here, I gave up my last cup of coffee–the one I didn't need anyway. I assured them I could make another pot if I wanted some, and off they went.
Most likely sleep deprivation was shaping my ill temperament, but when I made that second cup of coffee and it was weak and a step above dirty dishwater, I mentally blamed the teenagers for wrecking my morning! Dirty dishes, not enough caffeine (which I should've taken as a sign from God to stop at one), keeping me up too late last night, waking me up too early this morning–I was a hot mess of mean and spiteful (which if you know me, is NOT me).
To make some kind of misguided, sanctimonious point, I slapped on my pink rubber gloves and washed everything, leaving the dishes on the counter to dry. The boys would have those and the full dishwasher to put away when they got up, my daughter was off the hook with her prior commitment.
There! That would show them!
And then it hit me–
That herd of teenagers could have been a lot of other places last night; they could've been
…spending money they don't really have,
…on the road, which presents its own brand of danger,
…falling to temptations that lurk in corners and shadows…
but instead they were in our home…
watching movies…
playing ping pong and X-box…
baking cookies…
working on their music (and dreams)…
hanging out with friends…
eating lots of junk…
and getting dishes dirty.
Poof! Just like that my perspective shifted, my heart filled with thanks, and I realized sometimes…
minor inconveniences are blessings in disguise.
Perspective…how important! Thanks for the gentle reminder.
Rebekah!!!! I never even knew you've seen my blog!!! Thanks for commenting, friend. See you soon???
Just what I needed, as usual. I pray that my kids and their friends want to be at our house when they are teenagers.
I don’t have teenagers yet, but somehow I still totally get what your saying. It is indeed all about perspective. Thanks, gal!
I check in every now n again to see what u are up to…u have an amazing God-given ability to express your thoughts. Keep using your talent for His glory!
AMEN!!! I love it when God adjusts our perspective.
This is a good one.
I love you!
What a great way to look at things! My kiddos are little… 2 and 3… but I’m going to remember this lesson for now and later!
This is so true,Robin! My 13-year-old decided not to walk w/friends, a couple of miles down the road, to another friend’s house. His friends had actually planned to “just hang out and walk around for a few hours.” He didnt go b/c “that is trouble just waitin’ to happen.” My boys teach me lessons all the time.
This, my friend? Was just beautiful – it planted my perspective firmly where it should be today! xoxo
I hope I remember to keep this perspective when my kids are teens! =)
So needed to hear this. Mine are all 6-years-old and under, but the perspective shift is something every momma needs now and again. Thanks, Robin! 🙂
You are some kind of awesome mom!! Can I send my kids over to your place when they’re in their teens?
What a great perspective. I will have to remember that when cleaning the kitchen that I just cleaned for the ump-teenth time.
Oh girl! I could’ve written this. I’ve had so many weekends exactly like that. My teens drag everyone home and I cook, bake, clean up, miss precious sleep….and sometimes get all huffy about it (and not always just in my heart).
I feel so privileged….they CHOOSE to be in our home.
Love Love Love the post!
Oh WOW, I am so happy to have found you! I love Jesus, love Compassion, and my name is Robin! And now I love your blog! Thank you so much for creating it!!!
AMEN to that post!! I also have a home full of teenagers… my girls are 17, 18 & 19 and my boy is 14. Our home is the place that all the kids come to hang out and stay the night. I have many times gotten frustrated when I have been sleep deprived and the house is dirty but I remind myself of the very same thing… they are good kids and are home enjoying the simple clean things of life… Thank You Jesus
My kids are little, but it’s a good reminder for me too.
You are so right! That’s the very reason I don’t mind when the door bell rings and it’s my 18 yo son’s friends, I smile and ask if they’re hungry.
Such a great perspective, Robin. Great reminder. We’ve had a rough evening at our house, thanks to a three-year-old being herself and two parents being selfish. *sigh* I’m so thankful for second chances, fresh perspectives and forgiveness!
Robin, thank you for shifting my perspective with this post! With a blended family that includes 6 children ages 16, 13, 11, 6, and two 4 year olds, I am always in need of a reminder that even though the house is a disaster, the dishes and laundry are always piling up, and there is never enough peace and quiet, these children are HERE… healthy, safe, and usually happy, unless they are tormenting each other 🙂 They are HERE, and that is all that matters.