Reading in the book THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP by Marie Kondo has gotten me visualizing my space and life as I would like it to be. I am visualizing my house.
I can actually see it. I can see the entry, with the piano and two chairs with a tiny table, and the glass cabinets displaying that gorgeous type-writer collection of mine. A bench to the left as you come in to catch coats and shoes.
I next enter the Library. The walls are full of books, and in the center of the room is a round table with four chairs, ideal for school-work, or other study.
Turning the other direction, toward the kitchen, I see a wide open space with empty counters. I mean EMPTY. The beverage center has the coffee pot, clean and ready. Nothing else. The section of counter with the microwaves is EMPTY, clean, waiting for you to need it. The long counter under the window is EMPTY, clean, waiting. All needed tools and appliances are inside the drawers. There is only a lace curtain at the windows, letting in as much natural light as possible.
The living room is set up with my sewing machine, and the supplies and projects neatly on the shelves. Musical instruments in their cases sit also on the shelves. Long lace curtains give privacy without decreasing the view or the natural light.
My husband’s office has a closed door.
The air conditioners are working and the place is cool and dehumidified!
Upstairs, the children’s rooms are simple. Bins line the walls for toys and cleaning up is tossing toys into bins.
The master bedroom is also tidy. My side has book cases, my chair, and the baby swing. The TV is on the table which is empty otherwise.
I can see this book will be quite useful, but the exercises are not easy because they bring me up against the problems of shared space.
Dear Lord, please give me patience, with myself and with my family, as I struggle to change how I relate to our home. Help me to become clear in my mind and diligent in action to make what I visualize come to pass. Please help me as I work to master keeping a tidy home. +Amen.