I met my mom and sister at my folk’s lake house last week and we caught up on so many projects that needed to be done (I consider projects as things I do not do on a regular basis, but once in a while). We scrubbed cushions on picnic benches, we cleaned out cabinets and I even patched up holes that some squirrels created near the roof. Dad would be so proud. He loved projects! Whenever we showed up for a weekend or a holiday everyone was assigned something “meaningful” to do! Because he was a girl dad, the boys always had more to do than the girls. Poor guys!
I never thought the projects we were given was because he was angry or punishing us for anything - it was because he loved us! My dad was all about the life lessons that these experiences would teach us. Many times the sons-in-law and the grandsons would “get” to chop wood even if there was a stack already there. It was developing perseverance amongst other things. So many projects - so many lessons!
When we were young, we helped our dad build a picket fence in the backyard. I was given a tool apron and some screws and I learned to drill. I remember placing a spacer between every picket to keep it all even. It was important to take our time and be precise - not to rush things. Just like in life! I am so sure I can look back on numerous bits of knowledge that my parents enlightened us with probably without even knowing they were teaching us things…. or did they know what they were doing?
Along with all the projects, chores (things we did on a regular basis) also brought their share of learning moments. Each weekend at some point we drew a piece of paper from a bowl with a domestic task on it: clean the bathroom, fold the laundry, vacuum the carpet, etc… . The chore my sister and I dreaded the most was DUST THE OWL SHELVES!
At some point in my mother’s life she had a ceramic owl or two (I think it was the mascot of her college sorority) and someone thought she collected them. About 75-100 owls later, THE OWL SHELVES were born! Dusting it took forever! I would have to take the owls off the shelves, dust the shelves and replace them as close to the way I remember them - man, I hated doing this! We had to be very careful because not only were some of the owls breakable, the 5 shelves were glass. Looking back, I think just once, I would have liked to put them all back up on the shelves facing the wall - it would have been hilarious (to everyone but my mom - although she would have laughed eventually)! But this chore, along with mowing the yard, putting up the dishes and many more, taught us to be dependable and responsible. We weren’t lazy - or ever given the chance to be too lazy! I guess this created who I am!
Projects and chores are just a part of me. My brain stays busy with ideas and lists things to do. I don’t sit around well. Don’t get me wrong, I can binge a netflix show and read a book for a while, but after a bit, I do get antsy! I sometimes make lists of the different lists or projects and errands I have to run so I don’t forget them. I love a good list! I think crossing items/projects/chores off my lists make me feel accomplished. Then I can look back on my day and feel good about it! I can look back at the life lessons going on! (BTW- If you know me and need to ever get me a present- I like the notepads that have the lines to make lists on - just in case - HA!)
So when planning your day, week or even month and you feel overwhelmed about all the projects or chores you have on your “list”, relax, take it slow and think about the lessons each one can teach you!
Are you a list maker? Looking back, do you remember any chores or projects that have taught you life lessons you didn’t even know you were learning?