Grace By Dust

A few days ago I actually read an article from the free newspaper section that showed up unbidden on our porch. The article was called "Make Life Sparkle: Learn Not To Clean." The whole thing was about being a slob, really. But even though I wrinkled my nose as I read it, my house is rarely clean. I tuned in and I could hear the values coming through. The article is actually about not being compulsive about cleaning, about not letting perfect cleanliness prevail over other things that are actually more important. It's about making choices, and not letting a clutter-free, sanitized house be first. It's about relinquishing guilt when you play all afternoon with your children instead of eliminating clutter. It's about living life, making memories, building connections and loving the moment. It's about letting go of an unrealistic ideal and accepting grace... in a little dust.

I whole-heartedly believe that spending time with family and friends is far more important than giving my undivided attention to the dust bunnies that frequently visit my home. -- Pam H, Byron Center

The Lord has gifted me with so many talents, and someday when I reach the pearly gates, he isn't going to ask me how many times I vacuumed the floor or washed my windows. -- Janet D, Hudsonville

While some of the tips for getting away with not cleaning grossed me out a little and made me wonder about where the line is crossed and a home is no longer functional -- like you can't avoid dishes forever or you have nothing to eat on or with -- in the end I felt validated by this article. I allowed myself some grace through it.

This afternoon Simon and I painted with watercolors at the dining room table, using the newspaper containing this article as our table cover. My dishes still aren't done.