"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:7-8

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Laundry Piles and Dirty Toilets

Part of my "job" as mom is to deal with the never ending piles of dirty laundry, clean laundry, folded laundry, dirty dishes, clean dishes, dusting, vacuuming, meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparations, dirty sinks, dirty floors and dirty toilets. The list is endless and seemingly never-ending. Did I mention how dirty our toilets can get in just one day? Beware if you stop by unexpectedly. ack!

My house is perpetually dirty and messy. Really. Some of you may not believe me because I'm a fast "quicker picker upper" if I know you are coming over. (That was my nickname growing up.) But this past year especially, I've struggled to keep up with the housework on top of my other responsibilities as wife, parent (referee) and teacher. 

The thing is, I'm generally not lazy. The value of hard work was definitely modeled to me by my parents growing up. I like to work hard, but I keep running out of time. Lately it feels as though I've been getting swallowed by the mess and filth around me and it really bothers me. I spend so much time doing things that get undone in seconds and I wonder if it matters. Is it a waste of my time? Shouldn't I be spending my time doing things that are more important for eternity? What about all the ways I could serve at church? Or all the other mission opportunities, specifically orphan care which has been pricking my heart?

Here is what God is speaking to me in response to this. 

* I'm trying too hard to do everything in my own strength. I need to repent of that. I love a God who cares for me and cares about the details of my life. He cares about the things that feel hard for me. He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He is fully capable of giving me a peace about the mess and giving me extra energy to accomplish what is truly important. He can encourage me. He can help me to see the big picture so that I don't become consumed with my self. He will lead and guide me if I listen to Him. 

* Even in the seemingly insignificant tasks of motherhood, God can help me to have a joyful and thankful heart which brings Him glory! "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17) 

God uses music quite often to speak to me. This song by Steven Curtis Chapman has been spinning through my head all day and has really encouraged me. Here are just a few of the lyrics.
Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman
You’re picking up toys on the living room floor
for the 15th time today
Matching up socks and sweeping up lost
Cheerios that got away
You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips
and head out the door
And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
Well let me remind you it all matters just as long as you
Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do
Little stuff big stuff in between stuff
God sees it all the same
And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do
Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you
To do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make
And every little thing that you do

Now if I just spent less time updating my blog, maybe my house would be more clean! Ha!

2 comments:

  1. sounds all too familiar :) I love that song too. especially the "tell the story of grace" I need to make a sign for my house with those words. it would help me remember what is important.
    thanks for these scriptures. I have been struggling with this too.

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  2. a friend and i were just speaking about how the role of a wife and mother have changed so much over the years.
    grace, grace, grace

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