I got one, just one, response to my call for help, via Facebook: have everybody who is old enough do their own laundry. Fair enough, and a technique I’ve seen used in other large families but haven’t tried here. Since we are coming up on camp season, I will start this program when everybody gets back from camp. I will get new towels and washrags (which we need anyway) in separate colors, so everybody can do their own of those, too. I’ll handle mine, Brian’s, and the two youngest kids’ laundry. No more arguing over what is or is not done, or how things are folded.
I’ve been doing a fair amount of contemplation this week, and have come (or been led) a couple of conclusions.
First, it’s about time I stop fighting the flow of life around me and start working with it. Instead of trying to stop a river altogether (doomed to fail), or even damming it (dooming the lands behind the dam), how much better does it work to channel the river, keep the flow going but direct it where it needs to be…change the boundaries?
Second, for the first time since having kids, I have an altar that is functional and has remained undisturbed by them. It’s time to try to set up another one to share with them. I’ve gotten some great ideas on this, including LED candles and dolls. There are elements of our school curriculum for the youngest two that can easily be rolled into altar devotionals and maintenance, and I hope that doing this will help avoid the problems of disrespect I’ve had in the past.
Finally, I need to establish some new physical boundaries, in particular a fence for our yard. I think it may be time to have a little party for that one!