Baby toys litter the living room floor. Along with the rolled and taped diaper I forgot to didn’t bother to toss.
Wait. There are two of them.
Kitchen floor crumbs crunch underfoot.
Last night’s dinner dishes teeter on the counter–along with with those from today’s breakfast and lunch.
We could eat off the dining room table.
I mean really.
I think this spot is macaroni and cheese. This looks like lasagna. Here’s a stray piece of lettuce. A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. A crust of toast. Some dried oatmeal. An apple core. A half glass of unswallowed milk.
It’s a well-balanced meal.
Winter footprints of mud and salt spatter the back kitchen floor.
Wood shavings, bark, and dirt grind their way into the carpet downstairs.
Clean folded clothes cover the sofa.
At least they’re clean.
I’d like to think this mess is a symptom of inspired writer-at-work syndrome.
Maybe a little.
Because here I am writing.
But mostly it’s a symptom of hourglass runout as I tend to more critical family needs following my daughter’s surgery and hospitalization and now during her recovery.
And my writing stutters.
This, too, shall pass.
In time.
I will not be frustrated.
I will not be moved.
I will go with the flow.
I planned my way.
But He directs my path.
And I will be on track again.
In time.
Meanwhile, I’ve learned we now have a Great Lakes Chapter of ACFW right here in Michigan. I’m excited. And a little apprehensive. Because I feel more pressure to make progress on my fiction WIP.
Trusting He will redeem the time.
Kenda says
Clutter and expanded mess gets put in perspective at such critical times, doesn’t it? Sending get-well wishes to your daughter and writing moments for you as you go…
Sandra says
Thank you, Kenda. Lots of grist–along with the grit. 😉
L.L. Barkat says
You are writing, yes. And there is poetry in the words. 🙂
Sandra says
I’ve even cleaned up some of the mess. 😉
laura says
Hey, I’m impressed to find you here! After the time you’ve had…I sure have been praying for you and yours. Thanks for keeping us updated on FB. That was a blessing! Praying all good things!
Sandra says
Can’t keep me down for long. 🙂 Thank you for your prayers, sweet friend. They are what keep me going.
Michael says
He will redeem the time. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Sandra says
Me, too! Or is that me, either?
S. Etole says
If I find a housekeeper we can share … but you’ll have to read my post to understand.
Sandra says
I don’t know. If you had a housekeeper, would you have seen the magic?
http://susan-moment.blogspot.com/2011/01/everyday-magic.html
Dustin says
I’m with ya re: the clutter at times. 🙂 By the way, that Frederick Buechner is a great quote on your sidebar!
Sandra says
🙂 Thanks. I love that quote. Just about sums it all up.
Cassandra Frear says
Bless you, my writing friend. My heart is with you. Very.
Sandra says
Receiving that and passing it back tenfold.
katdish says
But in the midst of the mess, we write. Not always on paper or keyboard, but we’re always writing, aren’t we?
Sandra says
Indeed. Curse or gift?
seekingpastor says
“I planned my way / But He directs my path.” Nice, simple, and so true.
Sandra says
His plan. So. Much. Better.
Melinda Lancaster says
His path is better than our plan. All things in His time.
Healing & refreshing prayers!
Sandra says
Always better. Thanks, my sticky sock sister.
Susan J. Reinhardt says
Hi Sandy –
Hope your daughter is doing well.
We’re on the same wavelength. When I’m heavy into writing and family obligations, my house fits your description.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
Sandra says
She is, Susan. Thanks.
As long as the ants don’t take over and the health department doesn’t show up at the door, I’m good. 😉