It never fails. I setup the kids to take a photo and there it is – the pile of laundry in a basket behind them, yesterday’s juice box on the counter that they couldn’t seem to find the trash can for, and the dog laying on his back airing out his genitals. So what do I do? I take the picture anyway, knowing it will never see the likes of Facebook or any other social media site. Is that reality for me most of the time? Yep. So why is it I can’t seek to make myself post it? People would think it’s funny and hopefully relate to it. But why can’t I do it?
Let me tell you what I think when people post these types of photos – you know the kind – where it’s an adorable photo of their kids but you can see their everyday chaos behind them. I think “aww so cute.” And that’s it. It’s all about that toothy grin with mushed peas all over their face. But then I see these words below the photo…”excuse the mess” and it makes me cringe. For starters, I never saw your mess before you pointed it out. I didn’t see the pile of dishes in your sink but NOW I do. I could care less about your junk. I love the people, the story, and the memories documented.
More importantly though, when did we have to become ashamed of our normal, everyday lives? Gone are the days of simply having to clean up before guests come over because now we have to clean up for strangers on social media too?
Our lives aren’t perfect. They’re messy. They’re weird. And there is no straight line from when we’re born to where we end up. We have occasional dinners in the drive thru, work on school projects the night before they’re due, and the Christmas decor will probably stay up a little longer here because I hate admitting the holiday season is over.
I love my messy life. I love that my kids help me make dinner and make way bigger messes than if I had done it by myself. And that’s not going to stop me from taking their photos during those special times. So please, I beg you…please don’t make excuses for your truth. Your family, your home, and your life may not be perfect in the world’s eyes, but they are yours and yours alone and should be cherished. Embrace the mess – not excuse it.
