I've shared this story a couple of times here at Home Sanctuary, but it seems like I need reminding of the basics when busy seasons (like Christmas) rush in. Today's Small Thing makes such a huge difference in my day....when I do it :).
On my first Ladies' Retreat ever, I had left my 2 year old and a baby I was weaning from the breast that very weekend at home with my man. I was thrilled to be away and besides, I thought as long as I would be away from the baby for 48 hours, why not completely pull the plug? Other than the fact that I was about to EXPLODE all weekend, there is one other thing that stands out in my mind from that inaugural retreat.
When we broke up into small groups and went around the circle to introduce ourselves to the others, I was completely blank. Is this what happens when you spend two years at home with babies? No hobbies, no interests, no great "former job" to discuss. I listened to the other women describe their interesting lives and felt like a dud. What could I possibly say that would be interesting beyond diapers and my sopping nursing pads?
When my turn came, I stammered out the only thing I could think of:
"My name is Rachel Anne Ridge and I make my bed every day."
How LAME is that?
You see, my life was in the throws of baby-ness and I didn't have a whole lot of order going on. But the one thing I clung to was getting that bed made up every morning. Somehow, just seeing it all straightened made me feel just a little bit better about everything else.
I still feel that way about my bed. And even though I got some good war-stories under my belt that could entertain a small group these days, I wonder if that silly answer wasn't the thing that launched me into finding Small Things each day. You've got to have measurable victories along the way, even if they are tiny.
Today's Small Thing is to simply make your bed. Now before you roll your eyes and sigh condescendingly at my facile prompt today, you might want to take lil' gander at your own bed and see if you actually did it.
Uh huh. Thought so.
The basics of Home Sanctuary are Peace, Order and Beauty. Why not start with an orderly bed today? This should become a habit that gets you on the road toward success each day. And you'll feel much more in the Christmas spirit!
Song of the Day: Wake Me Up Before You Go, Wham!