Every few months someone comes for a visit. They may be family, my friends, my kids' friends, a little bit of both, but the result is always the same. As a team we undertake the heavy task of turning our world upside down in order to lie to the people we love most. Oh, yes, our house is always clean. Oh, yes, we do school at the table every day. Our life is in perfect order, and we never have any problems at all.
My children and I have difficulties fitting everything into one day. If something falls on the floor, they'll pick it up later. Right now, we have to get to Mass or Latin or Chemistry, or the field trip we have been planning for a week! It's fine, nothing's broken, it can wait for a few hours. Let's be honest, it won't get picked up in a few hours. Days later, layers have been added. The house is a wreck, and our clutter has become an invading army we don't have time to engage. I love my family and friends so much that I go to war for them every time. It goes beyond what they think of me. This is about hospitality and my need to make things comfortable for whomever graces our doors.
I have difficulties focusing in a cluttered house. For the sake of my sanity, I need the house in some state of order. I find clutter to be almost a prison. I am no longer free because my clutter has trapped me in a cycle of "me first." Shall I put the laundry away or clear off the writing desk? Shall I do the dishes or pick up the toys? Shall I clean the bathroom or take out the trash? Once the door bell rings, I simply close the door to my bedroom and walk away to greet my guests.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and overburdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matt 11: 28-30
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