Doing The Dishes...

 

Eight years ago I worked for a professor here at the University and we had some interesting, deep and philosophical conversations.  He was about to retire from a long academic career.  He wasn't easy to work for, but he had a lot of knowledge and I learned from him.  One of our conversations was about Doing The Dishes.  Yes.  Doing The Dishes.  At the time, my first born was two years old and I was still trying to adjust to Motherhood and Working and what that meant.  In one of our conversations, I remember him telling me that every night he and wife would dine together and then he would put on some music and do the dishes.  He did the dishes.  He said, "it's the most relaxing part of my day".  I probably smiled and said something like, "that's nice".  What I remember thinking is, "what in the world is he talking about?"  I just want to get home, see my baby, eat dinner and get the clean up over with so we can get on with our evening.  I was definitely moving at a fast pace and not enjoying the little things.  Not really taking the time to enjoy the Moments. 

Until last night...I had forgotten about this conversation.

Last night, like always, Pat was at work and the boys and I had dinner.  After dinner one was showering and one was in his room.  I commenced with the usual after-dinner cleanup.  I filled the dishwasher, started it and then began hand-washing some of the pots and glassware.  The window above the sink was open and there was a cool breeze blowing in.  The sink was full of suds.  The house was quiet except for the running water from the shower down the hall.  

Then.

I got it.  I understood why that was the most relaxing part of his day.  I felt it too.  The busy-ness of the day was being washed away as the dishes in the sink were becoming clean.  It was a simple and repetitive motion.  But I relaxed.  I enjoyed it.  This simple task.  It didn't feel like the chore it has always felt like to me in the past.

I'm not sure what has changed within me.  Growing older maybe?  Probably.  But I'm learning to enjoy all the moments.  Especially the small ones.  

Until Next Time,

Jackie

**photo courtesy of flickr.com 

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