I Think I’ll Leave the Dirty Dishes

The dishes piled up in the sink are reminders

that have been striving to make my family wholesome meals.

The piles of laundry waiting to be folded

suggest that I have children who are clothed.

The crumbs on the dining room floor

reveal to me I have children who are well fed.

The glitter and pompom explosion in the classroom

exclaim my kids have had some fun.

The sand and leaves that have been tracked into entry

profess the joy my kids derive from exploring God’s creation.

The incessant chatter in my home

is the music that proclaims the gratitude that belongs in my heart.

The endless battering of questions

testifies to my children’s unfailing curiosity.

The dirty smiles looking at me are beckoning me

to get my hands dirty in cultivating God’s creation.

I think I’ll leave the dirty dishes in the sink a little longer,

and get to the laundry when my kids have no more clothes to wear.

I think I’ll vacuum the crumbs when I can no longer bear them sticking between my toes,

and perhaps tidy the classroom when we need the room next.

I think I’ll clean the entry of sand and leaves once the day is done,

meanwhile I’ll sing and talk to my kids and get to know them a little more.

I think I’ll join my children because they’ll only be little a little longer.