Dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and…
Do you ever feel that way? It seems there is no end! Is it possible to ever be caught up? If so, you can be sure it is short lived. Then, it is back to the same old repetitive routine!
Whew! It’s enough to wear you out!
In preparation for today’s challenge, I had begun brainstorming ideas that have worked for me to manage these unending chores. I thought of tips and shortcuts to help make it easier for you. However, I realize that my “expertise” is not as much in the methods as it is in the heart of the work. What could I possibly have to add to help you with these menial chores that isn’t already all over the internet or in books? You can find all the help you need for the “how-to” if you only take some time to research it. However, what I do have to offer is how to create a new habit of doing all of our everyday jobs with a cheerful heart. I can help make these daily tasks a little less of a drudgery for you, maybe even a little fun!
The never ending joy of picking up after your children – whew!
- Do a little every day, even several times a day, rather than saving a huge chunk at one time. Do not allow yourself to get behind for long, or you will become overwhelmed. As I have shared before, and as the “Fly Lady” says, “A load a day keep chaos away.” That works for laundry, dishes, and clutter!
- Enlist help! Even very young children can pick up after themselves. They may get in the way with dishes and laundry sometimes, but if you can learn to live with the towels being a little crooked, you can actually make housework fun teamwork for the whole family. Add an incentive, such as, “Once we all finish our jobs we can play a game or watch a movie together.” Research chore charts and use them. They work wonders!
- When you feel tempted to whine or complain about how much work you have or how much you dread to tackle the task in front of you, intentionally give thanks. Say it out loud! “Thank you, Lord, that these dishes are a sign that I have plenty to eat. Thank you, Lord, that this mess is an indication that my family has plenty and that you have blessed us.”
- Make it a conscious effort to say something positive about your housework in front of your children. Also, try not to let them hear you whine about it. Your attitude will rub off! For example, my daughter often hears me say something like, “It feels so good to relax with a spotless kitchen! I’m so glad I got busy and got it done!” She also hears me say often, “I love being a mom and taking care of my family.”
- Make a conscious decision that you will be cheerful while you work. Smile, sing, listen to happy music or teaching, pray, dance…whatever gives you joy! Enjoy yourself! In just the last two days, I have danced to a Bee Gee’s song and listened to a Beth Moore teaching while doing laundry too. I sure know how to live it up! Ha!
- Decide that instead of looking at it as engaging in never-ending, monotonous and dreaded work, you are creating a nurturing and pleasing atmosphere for yourself and your family. It is all in your perspective. You are blessing the ones whom God has entrusted to you, the ones you love. You are honoring God who has blessed you with this responsibility. You are fulfilling the highest calling there is – motherhood. Or, if you are single, taking care of your home is still an honor and a high calling.
- Determine that you will be disciplined and diligent. I know those words are not the most pleasant words in the dictionary, and they can also drudge up feelings of guilt, but there is no way around it. It takes hard work and consistency to manage a house well. Roll those sleeves up and dig in!
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 NIV
“She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27 NIV
- Set reasonable standards. On one hand, while we seek to honor God and bless our families with our best efforts, it is possible to knock ourselves out trying to reach an impossible standard. Give yourself some grace; be content with your best; and accept that you will not reach perfection. On the other hand, do not allow yourself to cut corners or try to get away with the least you can get away with. Take pleasure in a job well done.
- Be balanced. Because these particular jobs never seem to be caught up, it can be easy to get stuck in a cycle of working yourself so ragged that you have nothing left to give your family. It’s just as easy to give up and let that mountain bury you too! Learn when to stop and invest in what is more important, such as spending time with your family and resting.
- Take care of yourself. When you are healthy and refreshed, it will be a lot easier to keep a cheerful disposition while maintaining your home.
“A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.” Proverbs 15:15 NLT
The joy of a job well done!
There, now you have a set of outstanding habits to incorporate into your homemaking! Now go do…
dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and…dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and dishes and laundry and pick up clutter and…
and do it with a smile and a heart of thanksgiving!
God bless you and your home!
