A Mark of Maturity [A Lesson From Laundry]

Is there a particular chore that you hate? For me, that was folding laundry. 🙅🏼‍♀️ Need a bathroom scrubbed? I am down! Present me with a large pile of unfolded clothes, and I all I want to do is bury myself under it, curl up, and take a nap!

Once I had a baby and realized there would be no end in sight to the washing, I started to make it more enjoyable. Now when tasked with this chore, I do it alone [without the kids’ “help”], listen to podcasts/music and have mastered the Marie Kondo method so now I can appreciate the final result of a job well done.

At the end of the day, I am still folding clothes, but I have created a pleasurable ritual around it.

I’m adopting that same attitude during this pandemic.

Now let me be clear. Our language matters and how we discuss Covid-19 matters. I’ve heard well-intentioned, but tone-deaf platitudes of how this time is a “gift” or “just what we need” buzz-around. ✋ While some of our lives may resemble a dreamy staycation, lest we forget the tremendous cost of human suffering as well as economic hardships directly caused by this virus.

Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” We absolutely should grieve and acknowledge this heartbreaking situation, yet, we can still have hope AND have defiant joy. A mark of maturity is having the ability to process multiple emotions. Grief and joy can co-exist. It can be both.

This brings me to my main point. While we are processing all this stress, strain, pain and disruption to our lives, I am intentionally creating pleasurable rituals for the sake of my family’s wellbeing. In the coming days, I am going to share how we are making the most of this season, but I would be remiss if I didn’t first provide context and acknowledge that I am purposefully trying to navigate the tension of finding the joy amidst so much tragedy. I am not turning a blind eye it to in the name of self-perseveration. Loving my neighbour at the very least involves having an awareness of what they are going through and doing what I can to help. These are unprecedented circumstances and by no means do I think I am handling this perfectly, but simply doing my best as we all are right now.

I pray that whoever may be reading this, that you would find some happiness during this very sad time. I pray you would find hope despite all the uncertainty. Lastly, I pray you and yours will remain healthy and well. 🖤