I already told you about how my kids really like to complain and carry on when they have to work. That is just the way it is right now. But, every once in a while I get a glimpse of hope…a glimpse of what is really behind all of that complaining…and it makes me smile.
This morning was just like any other morning…a little crazy…and a little hard to get up and moving after a holiday weekend. Jordan did not have early morning seminary, so I left to take him to school at 7:00 instead of 5:30. When I left with him, I told the other kids that I may or may not be home when their carpool came to pick them up for school. I got home a few minutes before they left, and I came in to the kitchen looking like this:
When I left, that kitchen was a huge mess, with breakfast dishes and lunch stuff all over. I didn’t ask anybody to clean it while I was gone. Usually I clean it after they leave for school. But, the one child who is perhaps the most vocal about hating to work was the one who did it…all by herself…without even being asked.
That made my day.
It also made me realize that there is hope…hope for a day when every job is not met with whining and complaining…hope for a day when they see a need and fill it…not just at home, but wherever they are.
We may be a long way from this kind of miracle happening on a routine basis, but I will take what I can get. I will let it remind me that these kids of mine are definitely still in the process of emerging from their cocoons. Some days they will make more progress than others. Some days I will see more caterpillar than butterfly. But, then there are days like today, when I get to catch a small glimpse of their amazing potential. These are the days that I realize that, although we still have a long way to go, they just might someday become observant little people who think of others ahead of themselves.
And, for those small glimpses of hope and perspective, let’s shout HOORAY!!!
It’s going to be a good day.
