Learning Not to Stress Over the House Cleaning!

When you teach a course at the local college and take one class toward a Master’s degree, there is very little time for cleaning the house. I have learned to live by the phrase printed on a pillow a pastor friend gave me years ago, “I cleaned my house last week, sorry you missed it!” My youngest daughter accused me once of being a fanatic about a clean house. But today, with only Douglas and me and very few visitors, I have learned not to stress over a bit of clutter here or a few dishes there. Instead, I have learned to chill out and do what I can in the sixteen or so hours a day I am awake. I don’t sweat the small things. I

There was a time when I believed that the condition of my house determined my value and worth, and to have a dirty house meant that other people thought less of me. Thank God for growing older and realizing nobody cares about your house’s appearance except if they are coming there to eat or sleep. I don’t have to run myself crazy keeping up a spotless and flawless house when we are the only ones to see. And it’s not an absolute mess because I couldn’t stand that.

Today, I have taken the time to relax and reflect on what would have been my youngest son’s 48th birthday. He loved Christmas, and the season used to bother me so much! But I have learned that we must enjoy every moment of our lives the best way we can, and when we do, we honor the memories of our lost ones. Last week, I went to the funeral of my favorite girl cousin, who was like a sister to me in the later years after we reconnected as retirees. I have an angel she gave me on my bedroom dresser. It reminds me of her. I miss them both terribly.

So, in this time of reflection for loved ones gone ahead, I am so thankful to see another Christmas season come around. I am glad to be still breathing and that I haven’t had to go to the hospital so far this year (fingers crossed!). I will rest this week and then start to prepare for the two classes I am teaching next semester. I also look forward to the one class I will take on Religions of the World. I will clean the house because we were taught not to let the new year come in with our house in disarray. It’s superstition, I know, but it’s also a reminder to hold on to traditions that connect us with our past and the ones we mourn.

But everything will be fine if I don’t get to the house cleaning and decide to take a long walk or go shopping. As long as Douglas doesn’t complain and we don’t trip over things, it’s all good! Life will continue!