There is an octagonal window at the foot of our stairs. In the morning, it lights the way to breakfast. In the evening, it reflects the climb to bed. 

I’ve been meaning to clean that window since we moved in five years ago. But from the outside you need an extension ladder to reach it, it’s the smallest window in the house, and you really only see it when you take the stairs. Not exactly “top of the To-Do list” material.

Finally, last weekend I did it: extended the ladder, footed it level with a broken brick, and climbed up with my bucket, a spray bottle, and a roll of paper towels. The whole job took maybe ten minutes.

Satisfied, I walked back into the house and stood at the foot of the stairs looking out through the cleaned window. I could see Nothing – just the deep green summer leaves waving back at the house. Perfect job: dirty glass wiped clean.

Next, I called my wife to marvel at my handiwork. She too stood and looked at the “Nothing” I had done: seeing only oak leaves dappling the afternoon light.

I’ve read that while we install doors and windows for insulation and protection, it is the empty spaces – the opened doors and windows that make the rooms liveable. 

The light we let into our homes and the views we enjoy from inside are transformed by the attention we give to those open spaces. A front door introduced by a carefully chosen welcome mat becomes an invitation to friends and family. A back screen door that lets cool summer morning air flood the kitchen becomes a reminder of the carefree season. Bedroom windows draped with color and accented by blinds become guardians of our late Sunday afternoon sanctuary.

Nobody notices a cleaned window. Dirty windows grow on us without drawing much attention. Why is it that “work for good” goes unnoticed and we struggle to see when things begin to darken? Living trips over living and tangles everything when we rush – our heads down. Window cleaning must be scheduled maintenance like annual visits to our doctor to check if we are well. 

No window is ever perfectly clean. Even the most attended pane has streaks and spots revealed by slanting sunlight.  The human touch always leaves a mark – perhaps nature’s way of checking her own wellness.

Setting aside a few minutes to wipe away the dirt from yesterday to enjoy a view of the new day’s morning light is something we all deserve. Like a good night’s sleep that makes space for the hope of a today brighter than yesterday.