7 Steps to Enjoying Housework

Will you have company over for Thanksgiving? When we have people over, we usually clean. But what happens when we just don’t have the energy or desire to pick up?

What keeps you from getting your housework done? What stands in the way of you putting that basket of folded laundry away? Unloading the dishwasher? Dusting the end tables? If you’re like several hundred other women I posed this question to, your answers probably look a lot like theirs:  

Are you nodding in agreement? I’m smiling because I can certainly relate! These reasons make perfect sense to me.

Yet it helps me to remember that while we have so little control over most of the events of our lives, we do have a measure of say in establishing the atmosphere of our homes. And that includes cherishing and managing it. If doing housework make you feel overwhelmed, I hope these few practices below will encourage your heart.

Enjoy Housework

1. Give it to God—Begin your tasks with prayer. Give God your attitude, your day, and your work. Ask Him to energize you, to give you a love for your home, and to see your work as unto the Lord. 
2. Spend time in Scripture— Recall the industriousness of the woman in Proverbs 31 and ask the Lord to help you emulate her.
3. Dream a little dream—What did you dream your home would be like when you were younger? Neat, orderly, peaceful? Pray and ask God to help you make plans and any changes needed to bring this vision for your family to life.
4. Ask God for an eager attitude—If your attitude needs to change, ask God to give you an adjustment. I understand the daily grind of never-ending laundry, dirty dishes, and crumbs on the floor.But with God’s help, we can tackle these tasks with joy. 
5. Write it down— What must be done… and when? Create a schedule and a plan. 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. Use your calendar or phone app to keep track of lists, due dates, etc. Delegate age-appropriate responsibilities to your kids.
6. Do a little at a time—I’m working my way through my house by what I call the “one foot” method. I clean out a least one drawer, one shelf, or one foot of space every day, usually while I’m doing something else, like heating up food, brewing coffee, or talking on the phone. Something is better than nothing … and once you’ve completed this week’s task, aim for more next week.
7. Get the worst out of the way—No one enjoys having an unpleasant task hang over their head. So, instead of dreading a chore all day, do it first thing!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 such noble efforts. So please pause, pray, pour out your heart to God—with tears if they flow—and, relying

on His grace, persist in the divine work God has given you to do for Him! And remember these two things: God’s not looking for superwoman—He’s looking for a godly woman who is following after His own heart. And, there’s nothing wrong with a well-earned rest. Pause when you need to and refresh yourself in the Lord. 

RESPOND

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

RENEWING RESOURCES 

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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!