Have To or Get To

If you're like me your days might be full of all the "have to's" on a list. I have to: load the dishwasher, clean the kitchen, mop the floor, do loads and loads of laundry, pick up toys, etc. I have a mental list like this and I often catch myself saying "I'm so tired of having to pick up these toys" or "this laundry I HAVE to do never ends!" I complain all day while I do it and then complain again when The Husband (TH) gets home. I tell my kids I can't play with them because "Mommy has to clean." I might make a negative post on Facebook about all the work I "have" to do.   But the truth that has been hitting me hard lately is I don't "have" to do any of this. I have been trusted with the responsibility to do all these things. I GET to do these things because my God granted me the blessing of my children. I GET to do these things because He gave me 2 amazing (and amazingly messy!) children. I GET to clean the mud from little toes and knees because my children are healthy and able to run and play. I GET to mop floors, scrub tables and wash dishes because we live in a place where we have plenty of food and my children are able to eat. I GET to do loads of laundry because we have the blessing of a lot of clothes. I GET to have a messy, lived-house because of what I've been given. It's time to stop with the "HAVE to" and focus on the "GET to." It's time to stop complaining.

So this week I get to take my son to the doctor because we live in a place where we have access to medical care and vaccinations. I get to mop, pick up toys, scrub the stains out of little clothes, shuttle kids to school, wipe dirty bottoms, pick up toys (did I mention that already?), cook dinner and so much more. I get to. I GET to!

What are YOUR "get to's"? Share with me in the comments!

Lord, thank You for all You have given me. Thank You for all the things I get to do. Please help me to find the joy in the mundane and to change my attitude and appreciate the blessings I've been given. I'm so thankful for all my "get to's"!!!!!!! Amen.