The Sacred Sink

Adjusting to life with 5 children continues to be a daily juggling act.  Some days are easier than others, usually based on Augustine's level of colic. There are some areas I seem to be handling well, while others have completely slipped away from me.    Laundry, being one of them.   I didn't think we had that many clothes, but evidently when you have a family of 7, including a self-feeding toddler and newborn with frequent blowouts, the laundry mounts exponentially. :)


 The other is the kitchen,  where I have noticed my TST (time spend tidying) has seemed to have doubled.  Take today for example.  I  did not get out of the kitchen from making breakfast, serving and cleaning up until it was nearly lunch time.  Then, the cycle began all over again.   The funny thing is, I'm not slaving over homemade bread recipes, or making pasta from scratch.  These are just the run-of-the-mill oatmeal and banana breakfasts, sandwich lunches and pot roast dinners. 
It's been this way since Gus was born.  Everything just takes longer when I have to stop, nurse a newborn, get Karolina squared away in her high chair and clean up afterwards. 


 Seeing that I have been tethered to the kitchen for the balance of my days, Jim was sweet enough to get me a Christmas present that I requested as my new "domestic uniform."   I am sure this is not pleasing to the feminists, but wearing this actually makes me feel empowered.   When I've got my apron on I feel like I'm on a mission, and puttering around the kitchen preparing and cleaning seems to take on a superhero-like purpose.  It's my mom-cape, if you will. :)    He found this one on Etsy and I love that it's homemade and was also very affordable.

Although the newborn transition has been tough this time around, and my body and mind are utterly exhausted by 9:00 every evening, there are always blessings tucked inside of every day.   Even in the kitchen.  I ran across a prayer that reminded me how special, how holy  dishwashing and housecleaning can really be.  If it's united to God in prayer, even the sweeping can be sacred if it's used to praise God for our gifts, and petition Him with our hopes....   

From "Great Women of the Bible -- Martha"

Lord of all pots and pans and things,

Since I've no time to be A saint by doing lovely things or Watching late with thee, Or dreaming in the twilight or Storming heaven's gates. Make me a saint by getting meals or Washing up the plates.

Although I must have Martha's hands,

I have Mary's mind, and, When I black the boots and shoes Thy sandals, Lord, I find. 

I think of how they trod the earth What time I scrub the floor, 

Accept this meditation, Lord, I haven't time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with thy love,

And light it with thy peace, Forgive me all my worrying And make all grumbling cease. 

Thou who didst love to give men food In room or by the sea Accept this service that I do I do it unto thee.