Do you have control issues? I know I do, especially when it comes to things done around the house. If we had a dishwasher, I’d want my husband to load it a certain way. I have to trust that he would so it ‘right.’ But, we don’t, so I have a never ending pile of dishes to wash, super dry hands, and a toddler that constantly demands, “Mommy, play?!” I love that she loves spending time with me and wants to play, but it sure makes getting chores done nearly impossible.
Since moving, my lack of energy from this pregnancy, plus my active toddler have left a house that is still very much in need of putting together and unpacking, which brings me back to the dishes. I’ve been trying desperately to get them done, especially because I don’t want bugs or a weird smell settling in (I’m already combating a weird burnt smell from our stove. I’ll keep you posted on that).
After separating the cups and bowls and none breakable or sharp objects in the sinks, I filled the sinks with water and soap, pulled up a chair, and Hannah and I got to work. And, honestly, it was great! She loved splashing in the bubbles, helping scrub the dishes, and making sure everything got clean. Heck, we knocked out all the dishes together.
What’s even better is that she is learning a skill that’s so important to have, and she’s learning responsibility. Of course I don’t expect her to do it by herself for quite awhile, but we were still able to spend time together and ‘play’ while I got some much needed cleaning done.
As I reflect on this experience, I can’t help but think of the lesson that is so bluntly in front of my face. I mentioned my control issue. It was kind of hard watching my kiddo make a big puddle around the sink, but she also learned from it, and even started wiping up her own mess. I just had to let go of some of my control, just like God calls us to do.
Life can get messy. And, we all try to control our situations, whether its financial, family, work, friendships, you name it. Though we think that our process is the most effective, God will get the job done the most effectively with our circumstances, just like having an extra pair of little hands helped me get my dishes done. We just have to trust that He is in the ultimate control.
Philippians 4:6 says, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Boy, it sure is hard to learn not to be anxious, and to trust in God. Its something that I am constantly working on. And, I think it relates to trusting my kiddo with more responsibility. She’s learning, just as I’m learning.
So maybe letting some messes form during the process isn’t so bad. The dishes got done, and it was actually a lot of fun to watch Hannah splash and play, and be a big girl. She even got a cookie for helping Mommy. I know that God will give us what He knows best for us for trusting in Him. We just have to let Him help with the dishes.
What chores do you not like doing? Do you have trouble letting go of control?
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That’s a great story! I love it! When it comes to the urge to control, I usually remind myself that if I won’t allow them to help the way they can, they won’t help at all. And this is not what I want. I try to see the pluses of every such situation. He put the washing on the line in the wrong way, so it will dry longer? Well, at least I didn’t have to carry it all and now I should only worry about these few things still wet.
It still means I have less to do.
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Yes, exactly!! And, it teaches independence. If you don’t let them help now, will they ever learn how to do it themselves, or will they learn that mommy is always going to do it for them?
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