Come in, but don’t expect to find
All dishes done, all floors ashine.
Observe the crumbs and toys galore.
The smudgy prints upon the door.
The little ones we shelter here
Don’t thrive on a spotless atmosphere.
They’re more inclined to disarray
And carefree even messy play.
Their needs are great, their patience small.
All day I’m at their beck and call.
It’s Mommy come! Mommy see!
Wiggly worms and red scraped knee.
Painted pictures, blocks piled high.
My floors unshined, the days go by.
Some future day they’ll flee this nest,
And I at last will have a rest!
Now you tell me which matters more,
A happy child or a polished floor?
…Author Unknown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had to smile when I came across this poem today. While it is important that I care for my home and make it a comfortable haven for my family, I must remember that people are more important than things. My children are with me for just a few short years. The sand is trickling through the hourglass, and I don’t want to waste precious time fretting over my home when I could be basking in the joy of the priceless treasures my Heavenly Father has blessed me with.
i couldn’t agree more! there are days to clean and days to relax and just be 🙂
I have been struggling with this myself. I believe that the Lord used this poem to stop me from being so crabby that nothing is going according to *my* plan. Thus making crabby children.
Thanks Mrs. C.! 🙂
I agree…..a welcoming home starts with the heart..great poem.
Deby
Amen! Balance is the key. (o:
I wholeheartedly agree!!
I love this poem….I’ve learned over the years, especially after baby #2 was born that the housework can wait. I keep things simple and neat, organized like an OCD person but as for constantly cleaning..no way…took most of my 30’s to learn this but…life in my 40’s is much more peaceful with more time for my blessings from God…even on a school day!
Thanks for posting this!
Excellent reminder, Mrs. C!
Hugs,
Kelli
What a wonderful poem! And I love your blog background.
That is a cute poem and does set the tone for your priorities. ☺
I love your pumpkins! And the poem too! Happy Fall in Florida! I’m enjoying a the difference in humidity and a fallish touch in the air. So ready for it!
I love this poem. I am stealing– I mean borrowing it to put on my blog. I hope you don’t mind. I need the reminder for me. I too often get caught up in cleaning and organizing when I should be just playing or listening.