My friend Amy and her daughter Annabelle are on their way over for lunch and a visit.
As I prepare I am reminded of how I love the perfect. I've always loved going to Amy's house because it is always orderly and beautiful, down to the colorful blooming flowers that greet you with a cheery smile as you walk toward the front door.
This morning I only allowed myself 20 (OK, 25!) minutes to spruce up our home before her arrival. As I kicked Nerf gun bullets under armchairs to free the floor of clutter I noticed dusty baseboards and made myself walk away and keep going.
As I took the trash out my heart sank a little when I was reminded again of our tall summer grass. We decided to visit family over the weekend and had not had the opportunity to mow yet. Wouldn't you know both neighbors mowed yesterday making my yard look even more shabby. We gave the wilting sweet potato vine in the planters flanking the front doors a drink of water but they haven't had time to perk up yet.
Here I am, 35 minutes before my dear friend comes, sitting under fans cooling off and being still.
Nerf bullets, stuffed animals and books are still strewn here and there. The baby is napping and my bed is unmade.
None of this is bad though. As I sit here trying to not sweat to death I am joyful and praising.
Why?
Well! Because the enemy tried to tell me my perfect friend is on her way over and I should wear myself out before her arrival so that every last nook and cranny is spit-spot.
That is not the reality though and I know it. We are not Sanford and Son. We are more of a Martha Ina Duggar mix and I am OK with that.
I am so excited because in 20 minutes my beautiful red-haired friend and her daughter are going to walk through my freshly Windexed front door. We'll hug each others necks and settle in for a visit. We'll share Fiesta Stack-up on good Fritos with fresh salsa. We'll drink from mason jars and have a glass filled plate topped with a serving of banana pudding.
This morning I'm grateful for the opportunity to make decisions that bring life. Packing up and traveling to see grandparents. Inviting someone into our world that is loud and messy. Choosing to smile when I feel tired. Not having to bend over backwards to be perfect and having the chance to invite a friend into our real world.
Today I experienced a great moment of victory.
Leaving some things undone so that I would be settled and unhurried was hard but yielded such great fruit in my heart and in the atmosphere of my home.
