Carry On Despite Chaos

The chaos is an every day matter, isn't it?  But, when I can remove myself from it all just a little bit and remember what it is that really matters, it isn't the clutter or the chaos.  It's the people, the moments and the opportunities to love, teach, and nurture.

I know I get going along in my day and I can't hardly push pause.  The day is in gear and if I shift out of it, I may never shift back in.  The clutter will mount and I'll get further behind, dinner might not get made and homework and reading will definitely take a hit.  If there's one thing I've learned over raising kids for 23 years it's that the chaos goes up and down.  No matter what you do or how hard you work, it's never ALL done.  You may enjoy a clean house for 20 minutes, but it never lasts.  But, what really matters every day?  Seeing those moments in people's lives where you can really make a difference.  It may be just a little one, it may even be more for me that anyone else.  So, the challenge then becomes being able to carry on despite the chaos.  To really SEE those moments and opportunities in people's lives and be able to push pause a midst the chaos and act on inspiration and that's a choice.

Have you ever watched "Psych"?  It's a detective series starring Shaun (who has "psychic" powers) and Gus, his sidekick.  Shaun isn't really sci-fi "psychic" just really observant to details and situations.  When it wants to emphasize what he sees that no one else does, it shows him looking at something and then it highlights the thing that he sees.  Maybe it's some paper in the trash or fingerprints on door or something out of place.  Well, that's how I like to try to identify the really important things in the day a midst all the clutter and chaos.  Maybe it's when a kid needs a snuggle (highlight), or a teenager needs some time to vent (highlight) or your sweetheart needs his wife not just a roommate (highlight).  Or maybe it's just a bunch of ripened bananas sitting on the counter (highlight).

I stopped at my sister-in-laws yesterday to drop something off.  They are in the midst of remodeling their home and there was some chaos you could say.  But, the thing I remember most was the smell of fresh baked banana bread in the oven as I walked in. It smelled sooooo good and welcoming!  Somehow despite all the craziness, she made banana bread (highlight).  And as each of her kids walked in, that's what made them smile and be glad to be home.  That is what it means to carry on despite the chaos and that matters every single day!