This phrase, along with “and other duties as assigned” can crater a delight in a perfectly good job. In this time of quarantine with some options being limited, I have discovered the underbelly assignments of everyday life. As long as other distractions existed or people were available to half the work, I could keep disagreeableness at bay. In the sixth month of restrictions, I’m becoming antsy about some obligations. Here’s my list. Check and see if we can divide and conquer.
First, I really like to cook. Even just for me, a satisfactions exists in planning what I like. I call to mind what I can prepare without too much thought, and, at times, what is a new recipe that may be worth the effort. I look at what I have on hand and make a list. Soup to desserts. In the spring months, I only ordered for curbside pick up. Now I do make trips early in a morning to push a cart though the aisles. The next step I could cheerfully skip. Bringing groceries in may require several trips and creating space on a counter for bags to wait on action. Some items go on a tall shelf. A container is needed before some find a home in the fridge. Celery must be cut back enough to fit in a jar of water to keep it fresh for the week. Bags, I usually forget to bring my own, require gathering and stuffing in the recycle area. By then, I settle for peanut butter standing by the sink.
Writing focuses thoughts, and I’m beginning to see I like starting and not so much finishing. Two other tasks popped into mind that I am ready to do but not to wrap up. When washing time comes, all items are in one place. Only a few steps are required to bend, gather, and pop in the washer. Soap is half a reach away. Then push a button and go about my business. Unloading the drier requires attention. Socks need to be matched. Pants go at one end of closet and blouses need shoulders straight and hangers facing to the right. The same problem exists for the dish washer. Dirty dishes gather in the sink and a quick reach puts them in the correct slot. Again, a finger, a button, and swirling water does the rest. Always a decision 77 minutes later. Unload before bed or the next morning? A few items go in the cabinet right where I am; however, some are by the back door or in a container next to the stove. Decisions and motions lengthen the task.
Beginnings and not endings. Yet most dailiness has the flip side of wrapping up and finishing. Even babies can be rocked and snuggled only after they are cleaned up. The ending leads to the beginning. Pre-chopped bell peppers garnish scrambled eggs. Folded tee shirts provide some class even in a pandemic. A clean pot within reach encourages starting a new recipe. I’m not there yet. My goal is to consider the tasks as a whole, so I can offer the complete cycle as an job well done. The last of this verse says having a chance to do well is one of the gifts of life. It’s either now or never.
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it.
Ecclesiates 9:10
Let Me Tell Ya 