I faced my giant today.

There were three of them actually, all armed with their weapons of choice and a determined fire in their eyes. They arrived on my doorstep and I had the courage to let them in.

The cleaning ladies.

Now before you roll your eyes and tell this particular princess to get some REAL giants, I’ll tell you why this has been such a nightmare for me. The way I look at it, you’re in one of two camps with this issue. Either the “I could never let another woman into my home and clean- it’s my responsibility and it’s just not right!” camp, or the “Heck, yes I have a cleaner- we’d all be knee deep in dust bunnies if I didn’t…. plus I’m providing employment to someone who needs it!” camp. I was in the former.

I’d like to say I bucked the idea of having a cleaner because I love to clean and feel closer to my family when I can wash their toilets and wipe the dried toothpaste from the edge of the sink. But truth be told- I have PRIDE issues! Wow, that’s a tough one to admit right there. I don’t enjoy cleaning- I enjoy a clean house.

But it’s MY house and MY family and MY job to keep the house in order. Plus, nobody else could do it quite like me, right? Maybe if I was out at work from 8am-6pm five days a week I could justify getting help, but as I’m working from home surely I can handle the cleaning myself? What kind of woman would I be if I couldn’t look after my own house? Think of the money I am saving my family by doing everything myself (hero complex right there!) Oh yes, this has been my ugly rant for several years now…

My patient, sweet husband has tried so hard to be diplomatic and encouraging in this area. I can’t tell you how many times he has suggested a cleaner, happy to pay for help, and I have balked in utter indignation at the mere suggestion. Is that Laura being a dutiful wife, or a proud fool? Hmm.

I’ve never been good at asking for help. I used to think it was because I didn’t want to bother anyone and cause extra fuss, but I see now that it was, in fact, my PRIDE! Darn it- I thought I was being considerate! In reality, I may have prevented someone from feeling useful and blessing me AND themselves in the process.

After being in cleaner-denial forever, the clincher has been the added work involved in promoting my book, and the addition of…. LILY. Yes the bulldog is super-cute and follows me around like a drooling shadow, but she also sheds like the dickens and is not good at saliva control.

So today was the first day of the rest of my life! After my initial intimidation of the gargantuan arsenal of cleaning products my lovely ladies sported, I locked myself away, let them have at it, and now I have a sparkly house and a happy family!

I’ll admit, they did a super job. I look forward to their bi-weekly visits and I’ll endeavor to use my saved time wisely. And I’ll even try to ask for help in other areas when required (no need to ignore my phone calls, friends, this is a long term goal!)

So this has been my long-winded way of saying- don’t be like me and mistake consideration of others for pride. It comes in all shapes and sizes and it’s really not pretty. Don’t be a hero- accept help in whatever form it is offered, and give some in return! I’ll leave you with some wise words of warning:

“First pride- then the crash- the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 The Message)