Life at the Lillie Pad

Mar. 15, 2008
Selectively Organized

Today I woke up feeling...sit down before you read this...domestic. Somebody please revive my mother because I know she just fainted! Yes, folks, this is a memorable day in history, but I have to give credit where credit is due. You see, yesterday Lysa TerKeurst asked ladies to contribute their best organizing tips on her blog. See here. I didn't contribute (wonder why) and I wasn't even that interested in reading the tips because I've read every organizing book in the land and haven't been cured yet so I figured why bother. But before bed last night I checked out a few of the tips and I was so blessed.

Finally, I know how to organize my purse which I refer to as The Great Abyss. Finally, I know what to do with that jumbled mass of jewelry in my jewelry box. I know how to organize birthdays so somebody might actually get a card or present on time this year (or at all). I know how to fix my pantry problem so that I can actually find the stuff that's way, way at the back- outta sight, outta mind. Oh, what great tips these ladies had to offer, tips that the average person, who is not domestically inclined, can do.

Now all of this got me thinking. I know that some folks were born organized- not me. I know that some folks don't have an organized bone in their bodies- also not me. I've always heard that it's one way or the other, but I believe there is actually a third category of people that are selectively organized- me.

You see, if you walked into my office area right now you would think that I don't have a single organizing gene. It's a mass of piles and notebooks and sticky notes galore, none of which are organized in any fashion. Even my computer files have no rhyme or rhythm. However, from all of that chaos I can create well organized articles, devotionals, and even full blown writing curriculums. Thus, the creation is organized, the think tank is not.

When I worked in the hospital I was always on time and could manage my time so well, even all of the interruptions and emergencies that required incredible flexibility. In all of my evaluations I was applauded for my time management. At home, however, it's another story. The last time I attempted to make a schedule my kids rolled all over the floor laughing at the thought of it. My "to do" list in the hospital was always completed before I left. My "to do" list day to day at home hasn't seen completion in years, if ever.

At the hospital I was very focused and my work area showed it. My patients' rooms were always the cleanest rooms around and I only kept the things in there that were important for the task at hand or that belonged to the patient. I was forever organizing and decluttering. Once a patient even said to me, "I bet your house is so clean and organized." Ha ha ha!!! At home, I can't stay focused and I have the clutter to prove it.

As you can see, I'm selectively organized, not a complete hopeless case, but far from "well" organized. That's my big revelation of the day and now I'm off to do domestic duties before the desire exits.

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