Since my kids were small, I have encouraged (really insisted) that they make a contribution, in helping clean up around our home. I mean, they live here too! Actually, they were more helpful in their own special way, at about 3 or 4 years old than they are now. (Remember, my baby is 15) One thing that everyone has the hardest time with is- dishes. We have tried all different ways to get ’em done. It used to be everyone takes a day. Of course, no one is going to do the dishes that were supposed to be done yesterday by another family member. Our latest is-everyone has dishes a week at a time. Trust me it’s still a challenge, if they do a lousy job, they get another week. Does anyone else struggle with this? or are we the alone?
One thing that has helped us have a true perspective is this… I have a poem laminated on the fridge, that has been there for many years. It was written by Edgar A. Guest. I love him. It goes like this:
Thank God for dirty dishes,
They have a tale to tell.
While other folks go hungry,
We’re eating very well.
With home and hearth and happiness,
We shouldn’t want to fuss.
For by this stack of evidence,
God’s been very good to us.
I know the kids have it memorized, because sometimes I make them read it. Especially when they are giving me a little ‘tude! (that’s attitude for those of you who don’t have teenagers)
I am thankful for dirty dishes! And I thank God for the food that we have to eat off them!
I have the same problem with bedrooms, laundry… actually anything I ask anybody to do.
I just gave up on the dishes charade and now I do them myself… wonder if I'm helping or hurting them?!