the way it is

I spent every moment of my free time today packing. But if you were to walk into my house right now, it would look like I had done nothing all day. I worked on packing up our cupboard contents today; pantry items, pots and pans, tupperware, plates and glasses. All stuff that can't be seen. And the rest of the house looks like you might imagine a house would look if there were two young boys running around, a baby exploring every nook and cranny, and a mom frantically trying to pack while still taking care of everyone. In short, my house is a disaster and it is hard to look around and feel like I didn't accomplish anything because of the way it looks.
But that is sort of what most days are like for me. The most tangible things I do in my day need to be done over and over, like dishes, so that I never quite feel like I accomplish anything. I sweep the floor after breakfast knowing that in a few hours we will eat lunch and it will look like I didn't sweep it in the first place. I finish folding laundry only to have the boys run into the house covered in dirt. That's just the way it is.
It's an adjustment. I've entered into a world of service and placing others first whether I want to or not. It is a continual lesson in dying to self, one that I don't often get right. But, as with most things in my life right now, all I can do is keep trying and remain confident in the fact that God can cover me in the areas where I fail.