This is a 100% true story. I have to premise this post with that proviso because my kids tell me I have a tendancy to exagerate on occassion.
This last weekend I got into a really grumpy mood. I felt crummy and overwhelmed by the chores and unfinished projects in our “It’s a Wonderful Life” fixer upper home. There are windows that should be replaced – trim that still needs repainting – the floors need to be refinished – trim around the base of walls that is missing and needs to be replaced – a bathroom remodel that is going on year 3 – the kitchen floor needs to be replaced – the dishwasher broke and has been removed but not replaced yet – carpets need updating – work needs to be done in the yard – laundry – upstairs bathroom could use a new floor – there is a patch of the ceiling above the dining room table that should really be replaced – the fireplace doesn’t work. That’s just for starters. Then there is the general maintenance stuff that was calling out to me.
On top of all that it had just sunk in that my oldest was now officially off to college for an entire week and was doing just fine. I started having a little bit of a pitty party for myself and went downstairs to grab the 5th load of laundry out of the dryer and brought it up to the dining room table that was serving as our folding station.
Just then our second oldest came in with friends and they came in to say hi – one friend sat down with me while the others went outside to help Tom with something in the backyard. We chatted for a second when my sons friend just blurted out ( seemingly out of nowhere ) “I just love coming over to your house – the minute you walk in you know that a family lives here and you feel right at home”.
Suddenly, it seemed as though all was right with the world. We can get to the fixing of the things but I don’t want to miss out on the living that is going on right now. This is a family house with all it’s imperfections and projects that need to be finished.
I think I know which angel was watching out for me this last weekend – telling me I am on the right path and to not get sidetracked by all the little thing; Enjoying the moments together, working together, playing together, and celebrating life. Thanks to my guardian angel for knowing just exactly when I needed a little boost.
