Most days, I love being at home. (If I didn’t absolutely have to leave my house, I don’t know that I ever would!) And, on those days, I find great joy in the fact it is both my privilege and responsibility to turn our house into more than just a place to eat, sleep, and store our belongings. I can clearly see evidence of God’s love and care for us as I go about my daily routine. On those days, folding laundry, mopping the floor, picking up stray crayons, or dress-up clothes, dusting furniture, and cooking meals all become tangible reminders of God’s goodness and blessing.
Then, there is that other kind of day…
The “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” kind of day. On these days, joy is hard to come by. I cannot see God’s blessings over the mountain of laundry, or the pile of dirty dishes, or past the mile-long to-do list. And, on this kind of day, I don’t love being at home. I become easily overwhelmed with the tasks at hand. I become resentful over the amount of help I do (or, rather, do not) get. And, although I am still surrounded by the very same tangible reminders of God’s blessings as I am on the good days, I become discontent – with my house, with my husband, and with my child. And, instead of being thankful and joyful, I complain.
This second scenario has been the reality in my home (and heart!) on more days than I’d like to admit!
Housework can be hard. Contrary to the teaching of Mary Poppins, it is not always fun. It is repetitive. And, it often goes unnoticed (until it isn’t done!).
Maybe there isn’t enjoyment, but, there can (and should) be joy…
“The everyday ordinary Christian life is one of great joy and anticipation in what God is doing in us and through us to accomplish His grand design for His creation. It is an incredibly humbling privilege to serve Him in any way that He chooses.” ~Martha Peace (Damsels in Distress)
Very few things in this life seem more ordinary than washing dishes, folding laundry, picking up toys, and scrubbing toilets.
But, those seemingly ordinary, everyday tasks are a part of how God is working in us to accomplish His grand design!
Tedious though they may seem, these chores, in this home, for this family is how God has chosen for us to serve Him today.
