Jiggle the Switch

Chris and I often joke about what would happen if someone were to suddenly (and without any explanation) be required to live at our house. There are some quirks about our house that we’ve just learned to adjust and adapt to. They are just little annoyances that went to the back burner for so long, we hardly notice them anymore. For example, if you tried to turn on the porch light, you would think it was broken. We know, though, that you have to jiggle the switch just slightly, and it comes right on. While washing your hands, you have a high probability of scalding yourself! The hot water that comes from our kitchen sink is crazy hot! We know, though, that for the kitchen sink, you have to set the faucet slightly more toward cold than you would in any other sink of our house. The back screen door is broken, so we slam it a little harder. The lights above the fireplace just recently went out, and, well, we don’t have time to deal with the electrical issue at this time, so we use the lamps instead.

When I look past the quirks, though, what I see is my welcoming, cozy home. I love the sunflowers in my kitchen, the beautiful wood floor Chris installed in the dining room, the quietness in the morning when all you can hear are the birds chirping outside. Oddly enough, inside, I love the sound of the dryer’s soft hum on a productive day, the smell of the boys’ rooms (most of the time) as the aroma of youth permeates our home. I love the trees and bushes that are blooming right now, as they create the nostalgia of last spring and the many springs before that. The surrounding nature and its perfection say to me that *this* place is exactly where I was meant to be. The yard has captured the boys’ play, the walls hold their belly laughs, the carpet padded their first-step falls, the wear and tear of the paint, on a sturdy wall, symbolizes the trials of a family who sometimes stumbles but will not fall.

All of what I just described would be lost if we focused on the quirks and flaws, because when I think of all that is wrong, I yearn to buy a new house. When I think of all that is right, I never want to leave.

Thinking of this made me reflect on how true this is for the qualities we choose to focus on with the people in our lives. I am so grateful for all of the ways my family and friends don’t define me by my flaws, but instead choose to ‘jiggle the light switch’ to bring out the best in me. It’s a nice reminder that when looked upon in the right way, every person is a masterpiece.

I challenge myself to give more patience, extend more grace, encourage, praise, and love.

I know from my porch light and my personal flaws, that when jiggled in just the right manner, what appears to be "broken" works perfectly.

Perspective.