seventy times seven

I had a revelation the other day about some of those daily chores that we do over and over again. I sat down on the couch thinking I would have a chance to relax for a minute, when my eye caught all sorts of particles reflecting the afternoon light as they took their rest on my hardwood floors. I grimaced & then ran to the closet to gather my weapon -- the broom. As I swept down the hall and into the living room, I couldn't help feeling a bit of deja vu. Hadn't I done this same chore earlier that day? How was it possible that so much dust & debris had accumulated in a matter of hours? The story of the disciples querying Jesus about how many times they had to forgive their brother came to mind. Shall we forgive our brother seven times? In my mind, I hear myself asking if I had to sweep seven times a day? And, what is the answer, ladies? No, you must do it seventy times seven. So, that little phrase now dances through my head anytime I feel that I must have already done this task for the millionth time! Obviously, we must not equate forgiveness with a swept floor or clean laundry, but, this simple ditty reminds me that these minutiae of housewifeliness will "always be with us." It will be rare that I will achieve a completely clean house to enjoy for days! That's the nature of truly living in your home. What's clean one moment will be cluttered the next. So, for me, my seventy times seven is sweeping. Maybe you're in a stage of life where dragging your child to the potty is your "seventy times seven." You get the picture. So, now I pick up a broom knowing that I'll have to do it again and again, and that's okay. The task is ongoing, not a one time thing. Plus, when I can get a little helper like this, who couldn't help but be encouraged!