Sweep it Under

Bold, bright colours,

Or simple neutral tones.

They are as unique and personal as we are.

A rug can provide the finishing touches to a room, hiding imperfections underneath or adding necessary warmth, or is simply chosen because you like it.

There are several reasons to have one in your home and with the creativity of today; there are many who do. I am one of them. (Ok I have several of them in my home!)

One of the rugs in my home lies under the dining room table receiving regular attention. It is often being fed food, given the opportunity of keeping feet warm and provides a reduction of the noise of moving chairs. Oh and it looks good as well. There is most definitely a purpose for this rug, and it is appreciated.

But what does it hide underneath? I thought of this when I reflected on the saying “sweep it under the carpet” while vacuuming the other day.

It looks good on the surface especially after the weekly clean. But even with this, is there more under there than what I am able to see?

Curiosity pulled at me, leading me to move furniture so that I could find out. How much dirt could really be under there?

Yes, I was surprised.

Although there were no big lumps of dirt, there was a layer of dust that had formed into a hard surface. Although it sucked up OK, it did not happen without some more effort than normal; after all, it had been there for some time and had no intention of moving easily.

This was however not my only surprise.

I was rather astounded at how the flooring had been marked. There was a definite marking of where the rug has been placed, the flooring underneath looking very new – after all the dust was removed of course!

So sweeping things under the carpet (rug) can be a short-term method that works.

As long as it is small enough, like the dust, then no one would ever know it is there. The regular maintenance of the rug will provide the appearance of everything being ok.

What you cannot see, you do not need to explain.

I can see how I have used this analogy in my life, not once, but several times.

However I am now beginning to look at this differently.

After many attempts of ‘hiding’ all my dust and dirt, have I also managed to noticeably mark myself? Am I affected emotionally by doing this? And if so how do I change?

I have lots of ‘dirt’ – and some dust – in my life, and that is never going to change, but how I deal with it can.

Without the temptation of sweeping it under, I am faced with dealing with each and every situation as it happens.

The thought of this can be scary and very tiring but with the visual example of the rug, I can see how helpful, and less time-consuming in the long term, it is to deal with each situation (dirt) as it happens.

Sure life will undoubtedly bring opportunities for me to be marked through the gathering of dirt; after all, life happens to us all.

But I would prefer to see the ‘mark’ it makes in my life to be that of encouragement. There once were things lying underneath but with the removal of the dirt in my life, I hope to smile, encourage and inspire others more.

Even with dirt we can make life better.

Maybe I can use my dirt to plant some flowers!

Deb
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