good example

I was criticized tonight for having an untidy car.
It is indeed a tip - my mobile office where I stash an overflow of leaflets etc that don't fit in my bag, my empty bread bags from lunch on the move, there's some suncream just in case (I've brought that in now) and a map that's at least 30 years out of date but may come in should my sat nav fail.  We're all entitled to an opinion, tho I don't ever express mine with the opening gambit of "you really should..."
The ouch came when it was followed by the phrase "you're setting a bad example to the children." Again, I understand the perspective. It would indeed be better if I was showing them that it's good to take care of the stuff we have, to store items carefully so that they last longer. I agree. But it would also be better if I was living in a world where we each had all the support and UPR we needed to affirm every thing we do or don't do as being the best we can manage in that moment. It would be better if I had enough time in the day to organise all my stuff, clean my car (plus kitchen sink, back door where a bird crapped all over it a fortnight ago, the list here could be endless), go to bed satisfied that I'd done enough so that I don't wake part way through my sleep planning what I need to squeeze in before going to work the next day.
But this is how it is. And I just have to keep everything crossed that the example I set my children is that when push comes to shove, in a situation of finite time and infinite possibilities of time fillers, I choose over and over again to go and see the person in the street who is in particular need this week, to respond to requests for help, and yes, to do fun stuff for myself. I'm an example of attempting to live my life according to my priorities, and no, tidying doesn't seem to feature in the top 10...
(or 1000)