Mother Guilt and Mr. Magorium's Wonderful Emporium
Nicole and I watched about two thirds of Mr. Magorium's Wonderful Emporium this morning. I hadn't seen it before, although I have heard bits and snatches in the car.
I probably won't synopsize adequately especially since I haven't seen all of the movie, but one of the scenes really hit me pretty hard this morning.
The main child character is a boy who is a loner and really doesn't have any friends, and he trys to engage a geeky accountant who has been brought in to evaluate this magical toy store. At any rate the boy "talks" to the adult through the glass window of the office he is working in by writing to him on placards; he basically asks him if he'd like to play checkers, but the adult says he doesn't have time, he is always working.
And those words really hit home for me, because they are almost ver batum what Nicole says to me, when I decline playing baby dolls, or try to load one more load of laundry, or whatever. But I got it this morning, before even seeing this scene from the movie. And I hope I keep getting it every day. The days she wants to sit and watch a movie with me are going to be numbered, and she's my baby...
To say my house is a mess is a gross understatement. But it has been a mess all summer and can continue to be a mess awhile longer; we sat down to watch the movie together and I didn't even do anything else at the same time. And it was wonderful. We had to pause it because I needed to go sign some papers at the bank, but Nicole came with me. But then she went off to a friend's house and the moment had passed. I am saving the rest of the movie to watch with her, and really plan to grab more of those moments and make sure I create the time to spend with her.
But I do have to admit that chaos, which would include the present state of my house, increases my anxiety level. So little by little I am trying to purge and prune. Erin (my son Chris' girlfriend) is having a yard sale in two weeks, so I can send some of the things her way, but right now I just feel like I am moving piles of things to other rooms. It was so bad in Nicole's room you couldn't find the floor. No wonder she had one white sock and one blue sock for cheer leading practice. It's a wonder she even managed to find a pair! I just feel so much better when things are where they belong. Of course, we still have way too many things...but I'm working on it.
So the next time you're too busy, try to put the chaos on pause, and grab a moment of magic with your child, or someone special. What I saw of the movie I really enjoyed.
Peace.
I probably won't synopsize adequately especially since I haven't seen all of the movie, but one of the scenes really hit me pretty hard this morning.
The main child character is a boy who is a loner and really doesn't have any friends, and he trys to engage a geeky accountant who has been brought in to evaluate this magical toy store. At any rate the boy "talks" to the adult through the glass window of the office he is working in by writing to him on placards; he basically asks him if he'd like to play checkers, but the adult says he doesn't have time, he is always working.
And those words really hit home for me, because they are almost ver batum what Nicole says to me, when I decline playing baby dolls, or try to load one more load of laundry, or whatever. But I got it this morning, before even seeing this scene from the movie. And I hope I keep getting it every day. The days she wants to sit and watch a movie with me are going to be numbered, and she's my baby...
To say my house is a mess is a gross understatement. But it has been a mess all summer and can continue to be a mess awhile longer; we sat down to watch the movie together and I didn't even do anything else at the same time. And it was wonderful. We had to pause it because I needed to go sign some papers at the bank, but Nicole came with me. But then she went off to a friend's house and the moment had passed. I am saving the rest of the movie to watch with her, and really plan to grab more of those moments and make sure I create the time to spend with her.
But I do have to admit that chaos, which would include the present state of my house, increases my anxiety level. So little by little I am trying to purge and prune. Erin (my son Chris' girlfriend) is having a yard sale in two weeks, so I can send some of the things her way, but right now I just feel like I am moving piles of things to other rooms. It was so bad in Nicole's room you couldn't find the floor. No wonder she had one white sock and one blue sock for cheer leading practice. It's a wonder she even managed to find a pair! I just feel so much better when things are where they belong. Of course, we still have way too many things...but I'm working on it.
So the next time you're too busy, try to put the chaos on pause, and grab a moment of magic with your child, or someone special. What I saw of the movie I really enjoyed.
Peace.
posted by www.kathypride.com at
10:14 PM
5 Comments:
RYC--I never dreamt you would actually find my mention of you on my blog, but thanks for coming by. Yes, I'm sure we could find lots to talk about. Feel free to email me at letterfromhburg@juno.com
Kathy (and Dorcas)...I feel like i'm listening in on a private conversation...so rather than be rude and eavesdrop, I'll let you know i'm here listening...
Kathy, I wonder, when the mess in the house causes our anxiety level to rise, is it us that needs to change or the mess? I think most people would say the mess; but I'm reminded of Jesus' vist with Martha and Mary. Martha was dealing with the mess, but Mary had chosen the better, according to Jesus. And when I think about what God's priorities are, it is ALWAYS the people--the relationship. Not that we can while away our days watching movies--but there is a balance, and sometimes there's a place for the mess in that balance (says the lady whose house is still partially painted and whose bathtub and bathroom window are STILL on her front porch, as the remodel takes WAY longer than planned!!). There is always time for work, and no one will die if the laundry isn't folded or the floor doesn't get swept today, or the bathroom misses a week of cleaning--trust me on that one!--But our children DO grow up and leave way too quickly. I have a beautiful almost-24-year-old daughter, who through God's grace lives just a mile down the road, but those 24 years went way too fast. I remember when there were days when they didn't go fast enough; but by and large, they went too fast. So I'm spending more time with my son, not enough still, but you can tell by mess that I'm putting my time in on relationship more than cleanliness and order; and letting God deal with my anxiety level. Jodie
Oh, I needed to hear this! I "ran away from home today" to escape the mess (Jon hasn't left for college yet). I'm now at my writing place (re-grouping). I have just two hours with Jon when he returns from Ocean City (Saturday). Justtwo hours--before he leaves for his SENIOR YEAR. And I'm going to make it the best two hours of his life: I've already made my list and checked it twice (homemade zucchini bread and peanut butter balls--a healthy snack--really!). We will talk while I help him pack, and one last bonding time before he leaves for school!
HUGS TO YOU KATHY! Keep on keepin' on!
HUGS!
Argh...technology. Had a comment all written and poof it vanished...anyway, thank you for joining the conversation. I hate to admit this, but have often veered more towards the Martha camp than the Mary camp, but I finally seem to be getting it. I have become more relaxed about letting things go, because I know Jesus always values relationships first.
Just enjoyed a quiet evening of really talking and listening and then snuggling. It was a good day, measured more in terms of time spent than items crossed off a list.
Peace.
Hi Kathy,
This is my first post EVER (I am a technology dinosaur). Re: messy homes. I was raised to make my bed every morning since age 5. First thing to go once I was out on my own. I don't entertain in my bedroom, so who cares? Anyway, it's more inviting unmade. News: dust is a protective covering for furniture; do not disturb it. Floors get dirty as soon as you wash them, so other than cleaning up spills, I mop rarely. This way, when the dog comes in and out, I can't even tell, even when it's raining outside. Vacuum only when the color of the carpet matches said dog. I do keep up with laundry and dishes. But it's WAY too easy for me to do almost anything but housework. I think you and I have opposite problems.
Katy
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