Life is hectic, and each moment of my day is already filled with things to do, so why do I bother making up my bed? Seems like there is always too much to do with too little time, so dedicating a few more minutes to make up a bed should be an unnecessary waste of time.
Not for me.
“Go make up your bed'”
It’s safe to say I shout these cringe-worthy words an average of twenty times each morning before school!
The kiddos make countless complaints about the ridiculous number of pillows on their bed, adding that the blankets are too difficult to fold. It has been brought to my attention that the task of stacking pillows in the morning only to unstack them again each night is a complete waste of time!
They ask why they should waste time on this redundant task during the summer when they could be doing something much more constructive (for them, that means video games). What’s the point when we aren’t expecting company, and no one would care anyway?
Believe it or not, I actually agree with all of the above. There are certainly many more important things to do other than straightening multiple blankets or fluffing numerous pillows, yet, I still find it necessary to make my bed each day! It gives me a sense of accomplishment regarding my daily routine and it’s just plain pretty.
Helps Me Maintain Our Structured Routine
I have a household full of ADHD-ers so life is a bit disorderly all the way around. Every family has a different technique, and maintaining a very strict schedule seems to work best for us! Although I have our routine timed out to the minute, it makes no difference if we stay on track according to a clock. We simply need to stick to the same order each day. Everyone needs to get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, and make up the bed. Starting each morning with the same task helps me keep myself in order, which in turn keeps everyone else in order which is a task I rarely accomplish.
Gives Me a Sense of Accomplishment
My list of ‘things to do’ is bigger than the piece of paper I write it on, which means I have multiple lists for multiple tasks. I learned long ago to give myself grace when I don’t finish my list for the day because my standards are too high, and it’s impossible to achieve all the things I think I should.
Making up my bed each morning inspires me to keep going because, no matter what the day brings, I accomplished ONE task. The car may not start, the kiddos may get sick, or the time allotted for writing may be disrupted, but at least I got one thing accomplished for the day. I made up my bed, and it looks great, if I may say so myself!
Delivers Visual Appeal to My Scattered Mind
I’m a visual person, and I need my world to be nice, neat, and organized. My scattered, ADHD mind becomes clear when I know everything has a place and everything is in its place. The only problem is, my house is a disaster!! There are dishes piled in the sink, dirty clothes lined up to wash, and I never seem to be able to find a pen. I have about 100 pens, yet they are never visible when I need them.
When I daydream about crashing on my pillow at the end of the day, I know that my covers will be soft, cozy, neat, and tidy. For whatever reason, when I pass through my bedroom and see that at least one area in my life is orderly, I feel peace and satisfaction. Besides, I like to decorate, and I want my entire house to look pretty because I enjoy it.
Life is chaotic and I don’t have much control over what each day may bring, but I know one thing. I can fluff a few pillows, make up my bed, and trust God to take care of the rest.
What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31
