Lessons from the Linen Closet

Moses - 17 weeks old

I still remember when my son was a baby. Amid all the emotions and newness, my mind fixated on one thing: cleaning out the linen closet. It was tiny, maybe a 15-minute task at most, but the anxiety it stirred felt enormous. Why that closet? I honestly couldn’t tell you.

This week, I found myself in a similar headspace with Moses, our 17-week-old puppy. He’s basically a fearless toddler on four legs, which means I’m constantly on alert, trying to protect him from his own curiosity.

Cue the perfectionist in me: I can do it all, right?

Wrong.

I’m learning to give myself grace, to pause, pivot, and focus on what matters most right now. Moses needs guidance, and I’m laying the foundation for him to grow into his purpose. That takes presence, not perfection.

And you know what? I’m on that journey too.

He won’t be a puppy forever. These moments matter. I wish I had this kind of wisdom when my kids were little, but I’m giving myself grace there too.

The linen closet tasks can wait. Babies and puppies are more important.

And if anyone tries to tell you that you have to do it all, don’t listen to them. That pressure doesn’t serve you, and it certainly doesn’t help the ones you’re trying to care for. Grace is the better guide.

Sandy