Life consists in motion…the United States presents certainly the most animated picture of universal bustle and activity of any country in the world. Such a thing as rest or quiescence does not even enter the mind of an American.
–Francis Grund
“Do NOT take all four animals to the vet at the same time.” These were the famous last words as my husband left the house that morning. How did he know I was planning on taking them all at once? I mean, why wouldn’t I? One trip makes it over and done with- Fast. Clean.
No one knows us better than our spouse. He could see my wheels turning before I prepared the events of that day. Needless to say, I conceded and took one dog and one cat. Still not understanding why this split was necessary until I was subduing Maximus back from the new environment he was patrolling for my protection. And let’s not forget the efforts afforded to try to wrangle the cat carrier that was slowly falling from Eva’s tiny grip; all while attempting to maneuver my ballooned midsection around others coming in and out of the veterinary clinic. “Maximus calm down!” “Eva, stay close to mommy and hand me that cat carrier.” “I know I don’t have a free hand but I will figure it out!” Maximus, WILL YOU CALM DOWN!” A man who was watching the whole escapade stared in complete dismay. I just looked up with a whimsical grin on my face and said, “I should sell tickets.”
Man in a Hurry is my all-time favorite Andy Griffith episode (Season 3 Episode 5). There is a high-powered businessman whose car breaks down outside of the sleepy town of Mayberry. He is looking for a quick fix for his car and an even speedier exit. Now, in Mayberry, nothing is going to get done fast and most certainly not on Sunday. In his waiting, he is reminded of his childhood and the slow-paced life he once possessed. By the end of the episode, he enjoys a front porch rocker and taking the time to peel an apple in one long strip. It reminds me so much of my dad who I can still see taking time on a summer afternoon to sit on the front porch and eat a peach with his pocket knife, bite by bite. He loves the simple pleasures of life, and even in life’s busier moments, somehow, he can still hear the sound of a woodpecker off in the woods.
Although taking all four animals to the vet at one time would have gotten the job done faster. It would have left me unable to handle the load stacked upon me, possibly missing or overlooking important details while my focus was elsewhere. Chuck knew this. “Hurry” will never get us to the desired outcome we are seeking. Less is more.
The same is true within our homes. It is so easy to get overcommitted outside the very place we call our haven. The pressures of life can become like an assembly line of quick repairs, replacements, and fabrications. Without realizing it, our little piece of heaven becomes a place we simply pass through.
I was talking with a friend of mine about the choices we make between ourselves and our families and she made a comment, “There will be time for me later, right now, I am needed at my home.” Even in her time that is stamped with obligations, her disciplines show forth. Not one piece of her day doesn’t begin and end with the thoughts of commitment she has made to her family and home.
I have shared in the past about my ideal image of what the perfect mother ought to look like and I was determined to fill it checkmark by checkmark. Then I had children. Nothing could have reminded me more of my unrealistic ideals than when Gingerale escaped through my nose. I had taken a sip to calm the ever-busy, somersaulting Charlotte inside my tummy, and at the same moment, Eva came sailing into the church sanctuary hollering, “We need more goldfish and applesauce mommy!”
Having children has shown me so much joy in the mishaps. I can see longing on many faces of those who have grown children. It’s as if they were voicing, “Don’t’ hurry it all away looking for flawless, unblemished idyllic ideas of home and family.” For truly, it’s in the morning cartoons and cherished sips of tea on the back porch watching Eva spot the deer grazing through the woods that bring me back to an unbroken utopia. A stain-free wardrobe would keep me from momentous instruction on homemade sloppy joes. And for sure, manicured nails would slow me down in my efforts to dig out potting soil to help Eva plant her flowers and put her seeds into the ground.
Just passing through my home would require me to miss the laughter of my multitasking malfunctions – Three things that should never happen at the same time; starting a load of laundry, running water in the kitchen sink, and assisting little ones with socks. Something will have to give. As I held Eva’s foot I thought, “What is that sound? Is it raining outside?” Then I voiced, “Oh, my goodness that’s the kitchen sink overflowing!”
In my mind, we were in a hurry to take the animals to the vet and get it over with. But to Eva, it was a backroad truck ride with the windows down and spring encompassing the sunshine that poured in. Teachable moments happen with no warning at all.
“A Man in a Hurry” misses too much. It’s only at home I watch a brown-eyed little girl cover Samson with bows and paint his face with colored markers so that he is the main attraction at the imaginary circus about to take place in the backyard. A ticket purchased for anywhere else seems like too high of price to pay.
I think Dorothy had it exactly right when she said, “There is no place like home.”
Welcome Home
“Martha, Martha you are troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
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