weekend melt-downs
We are a family of “P’s” (see Myers Briggs personality types). Not one of us enjoys mundane, boring, repetitive jobs. We strongly dislike household maintenance and chores. Yet, practically every weekend we set these big goals to accomplish all the tasks we have been putting off for the last year (or more). We always hope to get EVERYTHING done on Saturday and then enjoy our Sunday together.
What typically happens is this– major melt-down between the boys or us that ends up taking hours to “fix” and we end up with very little productivity. We need a new approach. We have this dream of having this very organized, minimalist house with everything in it’s place and organization that we can maintain. Don’t get me wrong– we aren’t slobs, generally our house is tidy and sanitary, it’s just not as efficiently organized as we would like.
Somehow we (or more honestly, I) have to learn how to accept that we are who we are and that our dreams of being this super diligent, organized and task oriented family might be a bit too lofty for what we actually are.
God created us with different gifts– we can’t all serve the same function in the body of Christ. Comparing gifts and strengths is a bad idea– we’ll always come up wanting. I need to remember to focus on what makes us unique and how God continues to use us in spite of our limitations in the area of organization. When I take the time to stop and look at who/what God designed us to be I am thankful and humbled. He gave us a heart for people, relationships and hospitality. He gifted us with an ability to be flexible and to function well in chaos. He allows us opportunities to be transparent leaders and visionaries. He blessed us with discernment and the ability to counsel and encourage.
Practically this is what that all looks like– you’ll always be welcome at our disorganized and cluttered house. We won’t be freaked out by your messiness and chaos (it can’t be worse than ours). We will be 100% honest with you about our “stuff” and hope we can encourage you to do the same.
The Eleventh Hour
See the Morning
Roots
Furthermore: From the Studio, From the Stage
Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions (Relit Theology)
Jesus: 90 Days With the One and Only (Personal Reflections)
The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome
The Phantom Tollbooth
Comments
VERY well put and that is exactly why we love you so! All that “stuff” and “to do’s” will still be around tomorrow, but the people in your life might not be. I’d say all you “P’s” (of which I am not!) have your priorities straight! Now that is something I need to work on. Maybe we can help each other!
comment by Cambria on 2008-06-08 @ 8:02 pm
Thanks Cambria! I looked through your Flickr pics last night and your house looks fabulous!! You guys have been working really hard! It made your leaving much more of a reality to me and I am sad now. I will miss you.
comment by betsy on 2008-06-09 @ 6:29 am