In my last post I shared my Lenten challenge that I was about to embark on. In an effort to balance my household chores ethic out I took it upon myself to do all of our chores during the past 40 days. I had a plan set up that every time I would neglect a job or complain about it I would add money into what I called a "complaint/douche jar." I had tons of great intentions for this experiment and came away with the following great insights:
1. The Invisible Chores: As I started to focus on doing all the chores I began to notice all the invisible tasks my spouse would do throughout the week. I started noticing all the different ways that Brianna would clean our house that I had simply neglected before. These were jobs that I had never even thought of let alone noticed that she did them herself each week! During this period I became a lot more observant because I did not want to neglect any chore no matter how small they were.
2. Two is Better than One: During this period of house husbandry it made itself abundantly clear that household chores should be divided equally among all who are in the house! It can be incredibly draining to feel like you have to do everything. I found myself always wondering if I remembered to do everything and could hardly take time to rest because if I didn't do it, then it didn't happen!
3. Be appreciative: Even though it is a given that chores should be divided equally, I learned the importance of being appreciative that you have someone to clean your house with you. Be appreciative that you aren't alone. Throughout the month when I would notice things that I had often neglected Brianna would thank me. I know that she didn't need to thank me and I did not deserve the thanks, but it always made it seem easier. Of course, we don't need thanks for doing what we have to do, but it always helps.
I became abundantly appreciative of my spouse near the end of the 40 days as I had to get my wisdom teeth removed. This procedure made me invalid for about four days during which my spouse did everything for me. I did not plan for this to happen during my 40 days of house husbandry, but it just happened that way. After experiencing what it's like to do everything I had a deep appreciation for Brianna as she worked to take care of me during my recovery AND still get all of our household chores done!
Overall now that we have celebrated the Resurrection and these past 40 days have ended, I am glad to have a partner to do life with. I am glad we are an equal team and we can rely on one another to contribute. I'm glad I'm not in this alone.
