My house is a mess. I've been a slob for all of my life save these past
few weeks when the mess has been distressing me to no end. Why the
change in perspective? I think it's as I said; as my mind finds order
my spaces must also follow suit. My sister-friend couldn't come today
to help me clean, but conversations with her, and with you all, have
inspired me to industry in a way that I barely recognize.

I've started in the kitchen. How did I live with this all this time? I ask
myself this over and over again, but really without much recrimination.
I think that when I worked a 9-5 job, commuted 2 hours a day (1 hour
there and 1 hour back), ate out of cans, boxes and drive-through
windows, etc, I just didn't notice and I just didn't care. Now, with
months of cooking at home, almost a year of working from home and on
college campuses, the shortcomings of living in a chaotic and slovenly
space are distressingly apparent.

Today, scouring the butcher block counter top, taking apart the cook top, and trying cleaning
techniques (and consulting with friends and Friends) have shown me the
benefit of this cure. This is not going to happen fast at all. This is
going to take time. This is a process that will consume my energy, my
focus and my time. How fortunate I am to have this opportunity to
practice what I know is important for my mental, physical, and
spiritual health. Just yesterday I commented on a blog post about
beginning practices to help me slow down - such as making my bed in the
morning.

I am grateful.