T. G. I. M.

Mondays. They show up with predictable regularity. This Monday morning was a rough go for my preschoolers and me. It was as if they forgot how to dress themselves, brush their teeth or follow directions over the weekend. I was gruff and they were tearful. Refrains about lateness echoed back, bounced around and were eventually absorbed by the walls, weekend earwax built up in their cute little ears as a protection against my voice. It is true that they were in their pajamas until noon on Saturday, watching Mary Poppins with Dad and drinking hot chocolate. And they did both make it downstairs, sleepy eyed, with blankies in tow for prolonged snuggles on Sunday morning. But weekends just aren’t that long, leaving me wondering why the gears grind and move so painstakingly slow every time we start up a new week?

We did eventually make it to school with shiny teeth and combed hair. I am pretty certain everyone was wearing underpants. We were first to arrive, so I know my children aren’t the only ones who fall victim to Mondayness. Home again, Peanut pulled her blanket over her face for a mid-morning snooze and I padded down to the basement to ride the bike. An hour later, sweat dripping off my nose onto the pages of my book, a surprising little praise escaped my lips, “Thank you, Lord, for this day.” And I giggled. Thank God It’s Monday. Ha! But why not? Mondays bring fresh new chances to do the things we always do with renewed vision. All work has dignity and Monday faithfully shows up with what we need to become dignified. Namely another opportunity to be. And learn. And grow. Share. And become.

“This is the day that the Lord has made. I will be glad and rejoice in it.” Psalm 118:24