I was chatting with a friend of mine on the telephone a few days ago. She was going on and on about how messy her house was and that she couldn't stand it anymore. I listened quietly, as she went on and on about the condition of her home. Finally, after my patience was wearing thin from 15 minutes of her complaining, I calmly asked her why she simply didn't clean her house.
With exasperation that dripped from her voice, she replied "I don't feel like it,"
I can relate to that. I too have a messy house. Cleaning was never one of my favorite things; in fact, it was high on my list of things that I detested doing. Cleaning was an unpleasant chore that I executed with complaints and dread. However, since my health has taken a turn for the worse, my energy level has dropped exponentially. Sometimes it takes everything I have to get out of bed and get my daughter ready for school, which at this stage of her life consists of my making sure she's bundled up sufficiently and watching at the door while she waits for the school bus. Cleaning is no longer a burden or unpleasant chore; it is now an almost impossible feat. Mopping the kitchen floor is often followed by a nap on the couch. Doing dishes often require a chair, and folding laundry, sheets especially is something that I only dream about. Add to the mix that I live with two extremely messy people, especially my husband, and you can imagine how my house looks most of the time. And it bugs me. Big time.
What also bugs me is when people, my friend included, complain about not having the energy to do things that I wish to God I could do now. I never thought I would miss the satisfaction of having clean polished kitchen cabinets. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would think longingly back to the times when I could wash windows. And I cannot describe how much I miss the smell and feel of sheets that have just come off an outdoor clothesline. I guess the old saying is true; you don't know what you got 'til it's gone.
I still clean my house on bad days. I've just become a bit more creative on how I do it. I once vacuumed my living room floor while lying flat on my back on a reclining chair with wheels. Cleaning my ceiling fan has become one of my favorite games. I take an old sock, tie a knot in it and throw it at the fan aiming for the blade moving toward me. If I hit it just right, I manage to knock the dust off the blade. This also works when the fan isn't running, but it is not nearly as much fun. And my kitchen is laid out in such a fashion that with the aid of a small computer chair I can whip myself around the kitchen at a furious pace; going from the stove to the counter, fridge, and table in three scoots or less. My husband made the mistake of walking into the kitchen when I was fixing breakfast one morning while using my chair. I never did get the blueberry stains out of his shirt.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not an invalid; I have days where my energy level is through the roof, and believe me I take advantage of them. For example, yesterday was a good day, so I cleaned my kitchen...including mopping the floor. I still ended up on the couch, but I was able to sit there and enjoy what I accomplished. Today seems to be a good day, so I think I'm going to tackle my living room; the Christmas tree needs to come down, and I have presents for whom I need to find a home. I will make the most of this day; I have no choice. I have no idea what tomorrow might bring.
Therefore, my dear readers I will leave you with this thought. In this New Year, make the most of the time and energy you have. Relish it; thank God for it. And if you see a dirty window, wash it gratefully.
Editors Note: Reach Out Magazine
would like to graciously acknowledge and thank KA
Francis for contributing this great article. Please be sure and check
out her website at Quill
& Scroll.
KA Francis is a professional
freelance writer specializing in Ghostwriting, Desktop publishing &
other special writing projects.