How I Learned to Organize from my Disorganized Mother

My mother lovingly jokes that my grandmother’s organizing skills skipped a generation and landed on me instead of her. It’s sweet of her to say so, but that has not always been the case.

Growing up there were many times I was embarrassed of the clutter that seemed to plague our house and kitchen counters. Thankfully, as I have matured and become a mom myself, I can reflect on my upbringing in a different light.

I’ve come to realize that although organizing wasn’t first on her list, my mother had her priorities straight. I am proud to say that I am a little more like her than I ever thought I would be.

Three generations at work in the kitchen.

In honor of Mother’s Day here are the organizing tips I learned from my mom:

• Making dinner at home every night can be easy. It is also a service and a comfort to your family.
• The dishes will still be there when your friends leave or even after you read the newspaper.
• It doesn’t matter if the house is packed with people and there is a mess everywhere, friends are still welcomed and loved (as long as they are willing to be put to work).
• Ask for help. As a child, I was mortified when she would tell my friends what to do and where their shoes go, but as an adult I see it as practical. Whether the guest is a dear friend of hers or her daughter’s pre-teen friend- it is okay to ask for help and let guests know more about how your home functions.
• Don’t try to do it all. When you work full-time outside of the home, hire a housekeeper! Delegating and getting help is a great thing when you are able.

My mother has always been a living example of Luke 10:38

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She has a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked,
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”