Unwashed Dishes

2005

The Dishes Went Unwashed One Day

The dishes went unwashed one day

We didn’t make the beds

I took their hands and followed

Where their eager footsteps led.

Oh, yes, we went adventuring

All three boys, and I

Exploring in the our yard

Beneath the deep blue sky.

We played out in the warm bright sun

We wandered here and there

The kitchen wasn’t swept that day

But life was glad and good.

That my house was neglected

That we didn’t sweep the stairs

In twenty years, no one on earth

Will know or even care.

But that I helped some little boy

To a nobler man grow

In twenty years, the whole wide world

Will look, and see, and know!

I found this poem in an old, out of print Girl Scout Manual many years ago.  I modified it to suit my family and got it out today as I consider the role of Christian women in the world today.  Could it be we have our focus way off as we rush from here to there trying to accomplish so much for God's Kingdom?  Help me to remember my priorities, Dear Lord.  Help me to slow down and take time to raise my boys well before my limited time with them is gone.