Invisible Chores

I've been thinking a lot lately about my life and my contributions. Sometimes it's hard to see any accomplishments when just maintaining status quo is exhausting! I figure if my home looks pretty much like it did at the beginning of the day at the end of it, then I'm doing pretty good.
I was also noticing all the "invisible chores" around the house. These are the chores that remain invisible unless they are NOT done. You know, that laundry basket full of unfolded clean clothes sitting right in front of the door to the garage that your husband will walk through at the end of the day. If the clothes get folded and neatly put away, no one notices. But, should I leave it there in his pathway, it is a reminder of what I didn't do today. Of course I'm not saying that Paul would be irritated or have a problem with it, I'm just saying that it's VISIBLE!
This rule could of course apply to most chores like, cooking, cleaning, dishes, vacuuming, bill paying, organizing, etc. I've let all of these invisible chores get me down a lot. I mean A LOT! I'm not so good at all of them, but they are CONSTANT and NEED to be done. I was pondering this in the shower, (I've mentioned before that I get my best ideas in the bath, shower, and running) and I realized that I can relate this feeling to all the invisible jobs out there.
I mean, my shower was a result of a lot of hard work. Let me explain. There was someone (or a bunch of people rather) that had to figure out how to treat water so that it could safely be used for all of our needs. Then there are those who figured out the infrastructure to get that water to peoples homes. Then there is the plumbing that allows me to have that water at my fingertips and at whatever temperature I desire...most of the time. IT IS AMAZING!!
So many jobs are invisible until something goes wrong. It makes me want to write a letter to all those people out there working in utilities, services, and other occupations that go unnoticed. They make my life better and I don't even have to think about it.
This brings me back to my original thoughts on invisible chores. I have spent a little too much time lately feeling down about all of those chores and the lack of appreciation I feel for doing them all. My pondering in the shower made me see it in a little bit different light. This is my job at the moment. It blesses my family and they don't even have to think about it. I'm not saying that is ideal, but I'm glad that I'm improving their life. Of course, my kids will learn more and more of those chores as they get older and have more and more responsibility. This will in turn make them more aware of all of those around them that do those things that we take for granted.

I know this is a weird post, but I just wanted to document this for my own sanity. One other funny thing is that when I was searching for the right image to post with these thoughts, (everyone knows blog posts are more fun with pictures) I came across so many beautiful pictures. I was so inspired by these strong and capable women doing the daily work all women have done for centuries. (OK, a lot of men too) So, I had to put them all here throughout the post. They really make me more proud of the work I do everyday. I'm grateful for the conveniences I have, and the physical ability I have to do these things. Again, I am blessed.