Guest Contributor, Lisa Jacobson, Club31Women
The time had come and deep down I knew it.
No point in putting it off any longer. My little laundry room was so messy and cluttered I could hardly get in and out of there anymore. A bit disturbing and slightly depressing. And certainly not the way I wanted to live.
Besides, it was April and the season for spring cleaning and fresh starts. The time for new growth and bright beginnings, right?
So I rolled up my sleeves, slipped on my yellow rubber gloves, and went to work. Sorted, trashed, and scrubbed until you could see shiny counters and a spotless floor. Clean and clear at last.
Not sure if this tells you too much about me, but looking out at that sparkling room I felt a strange kind of exhilaration. A sense of triumph. Like I’d really done something.
It was while gazing out at this great achievement that I heard someone sneak up behind me. And shut the door. Well, you remember how I described my “little” laundry room? Tiny might be more accurate. Let’s put it this way…two people and a closed door make for a rather close encounter.
I briefly hesitated, but then turned to face the intruder.
And there he was. That man I married. Suspiciously pulling something out from behind his back. Actually, two somethings. Two chocolate-dipped Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars to be exact.
Quickly followed by a sacred hush as we didn’t dare make another sound in case one of the kids overheard. So without a word we munched on our frozen bars in the newly shined laundry room.
Quietly celebrating. Everything.
Not just the squeaky-clean room we were standing in. Not only the job done, or the goal completed. But him and me. And all that had been messed up, cleaned up and made beautiful over the years. Celebrating in front of the Whirlpool washing machine.
It’s funny how many thoughts run through your mind when you’re silently eating an ice cream bar in a small space. Especially when it’s with someone you’ve loved, lived with and slept with over the years.
I began to wonder. About me. And about you.
How often do we stand still and celebrate our little successes? Pause to recognize the good things that have been going on?
Or do we just keep chugging along? Too busy moving on to the next problem that we don’t realize that something Big is going on in our everyday lives. That together we’re working on a really wonderful thing.
Maybe he’s getting better at coming home when he said he would. Or you’re more welcoming when he walks in the door.
Maybe he’s been offering to take the children, so you’ll get a break. Or you’ve been telling him how much you appreciate his hard work.
Maybe he’s been listening more carefully to what you have to say. Or you’re speaking kinder and more encouraging words.
Maybe he’s working more on meeting your needs. Or you’ve been seeking to satisfy him more often.
Maybe he’s been saying he’s sorry for having hurt you. Or you’ve been more forgiving and willing to let it go.
Or maybe you’ve both simply decided that you’re going to love each other. No matter what. That you’re in this for the long haul.
Some might say these are small things. Even use the word tiny to describe what’s gone on. But you know what I think? I think it’s a time of new growth and bright beginnings.
I say, you’re really doing something.
So why not stop and celebrate?
And let’s bring out those chocolate-dipped ice-cream bars. What do you say?
In His grace,
Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of Matt Jacobson, literary agent and writer, and together they enjoy raising 8 children. Please join her over at Club31Women, a blog for any wife, mother, or sister who is looking for Biblical encouragement and inspiration.
