7 Steps to Enjoying Housework

Several years ago, while teaching a series entitled “The Wise Homemaker,” I asked a hundred women, “What keeps you from getting your housework done?” There were four main answers: poor use of time, lack of motivation, failure to plan, and procrastination.

These reasons make perfect sense to me, and I can certainly relate to all four of these answers.

So, if you’re anything like me and a hundred other women, we can both thank God that He has shown us the Proverbs 31 woman who use of every second of her time, and uses it well. Let me pass on some methods that help me “work up” a better attitude and even an eagerness about my work.

1. Embrace God’s will for your life—If you’re uncertain about what God’s will for your life is, you can see it clearly right there in Proverbs 31. Rewrite the message in your own words and then own it, love it, tackle it, be committed to it, and dedicate your life to it!
2. Stay in God’s Word—Allow the Spirit of God to energize your heart, mind, and strength through the power of God’s Word.
3. Develop a vision—Think for a moment about your home environment. Does it reflect your vision for your home and family, and your vision for peace, beauty, and order?
4. Pray for an eager attitude—When you turn off your light at night, pray about the work that awaits the next day. Ask God to help you greet the day with an eager attitude.
5. Create a schedule—A schedule will help you plan your work. You’ll know what’s coming and where you’re going, and you’ll be able to anticipate the pace and envision your next task.
6. Develop a routine—The more work you’re able to fit into a daily routine, the better. Those things you do everyday take less time when they’re part of a routine.
7. Tackle the worst first—There’s no reason to live your days under a cloud of dread because of some challenging or unpleasant task you need to tackle. Simply do that task first! Having the monumental thing out of the way makes the day go more smoothly and easily.

I want you to experience the exhilaration and continuing motivation that come with these noble housework efforts. Pause, pray, and pour out your heart to God and, relying on His grace, persist in the divine work God has given you to do for Him.

RESPOND

Lord, make us masters of ourselves that we may be the servants of others. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

Beautiful in God’s Eyes - Experience a richer, more exciting spiritual walk as you embrace God’s design for true beauty in your life. This wonderful resource is a great guide!

REFLECT

“She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” (Proverbs 31:17)

REMEMBER

All that stands between your goal
And the deeds you hope to do
And the dreams which stir your soul—Is you!