I had the incredible experience of going to Italy a couple of weeks ago thanks to a pilgrimage arranged through my church. Yep, there’s a column coming about that experience!
However, the day and morning before I left, I had the rare chance to have the house completely to myself. My husband John decided to visit his brother in Nebraska while I would be gone. Due to his brother’s schedule, John left the day before my flight. He was driving, so he took our dogs Elli and Sasha along. Both behaved beautifully on the road, thank goodness.
When John told me his plans, I thought, “Wow! I’ll have the house to myself for a bit. It’ll be so quiet. I’ll get a lot done.” The only other occupant for that day and a half would be my cat, Chilly. I relished the idea of the peace and quiet we’d experience.
As that Thursday morning wore on, however, I discovered something. Peace and quiet (and a super clean house) are overrated.
Sure, I got a lot done. In fact, I finished a grant prospect research project in record time due to zero interruptions. No dogs wanted to go outside, go for a walk, or get a treat/be fed. I didn’t have a husband who was home between sales appointments. I wrapped up my work projects beautifully before I left, which felt amazing.
I’m naturally a neat person – almost obsessively so – and the house stayed pristine.
By that Thursday evening, I was all packed for my trip and settled down to read a novel. Even with the cricket noises coming from Alexa – my favorite evening sound – the house was way too quiet. Chilly soon crawled up on my lap as if to say, “Hey, Mom, it’s just you and me … let’s stick together.”
When I woke up the next morning, the house didn’t feel like mine. I didn’t smell the wonderful scent of John’s cologne that always lingers after he leaves for his sales appointments. I didn’t hear the click of my dogs’ toenails on our hardwood floors as they came to greet me. There were no shoes scattered throughout the house, and the blankets on the dog bed were still neatly folded.
It’s funny … for those of us who have families, when our kids are little, our houses are often in chaos. I know I’m not alone in saying that during that time, I would occasionally look forward to the quieter moments I knew would come later in life. To have a house that would stay relatively clean and calm – what a concept.
And now, looking back, I just have to say … yuck. Give me a dozen pairs of shoes near the back door … young adult sons visiting and going in and out the back door, banging it constantly … a loving husband who doesn’t fold towels the way I do … dogs who mess up blankets and leave toys all over the living room floor.
If your house is often chaotic like mine, please take a moment to thank God for your situation. It’s one that so many would gladly have in a heartbeat.
I’m thrilled to be back. To have my husband and dogs here along with visits from my boys … I’ll take that any time compared to a quiet, pristine house. Thanks, God.
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.