See this mess right here? This is how my family room looks currently.

This is how my family room looks often.

I know some of you out there are cringing at the sight of this. Toys are strewn about creating an unintentional obstacle course. A toddler chair is turned upside down just outside of the photo frame. Gazillions of tiny pieces of a variety of games and play sets are laying around EVERYWHERE.

It is a complete and total mess. I get it.You may be thinking it’s not aesthetically pleasing and maybe not the idea state of a home. No, probably not.

I know you may see clutter, chaos and disorder. But I don’t.

Well, I do, but that’s not all I see.

I see toys that are cherished and thoroughly enjoyed.

I see a cozy space where children played their hearts out.

I see a toddler engaging his imagination while narrating his own story about his little trucks and what they are doing. I can hear him singing about them as I type this.

And, no, it really doesn’t bother me.

We do clean up often and the mess finds its way back shortly after each time, without fail. There’s even a famous quote about this phenomenon. Something like “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like…just plain dumb.” At least that’s how I like to remember it. Phyllis Diller, I think. Google it. But, I digress.

I know you will look at this and see a mess, but please don’t judge me. Or do. It really doesn’t bother me.

Because I don’t mind the state of my family room. No, not at all.

When I look at it I am just reminded that there is a family to fill it. And for that I’m grateful.