As I just typed that, I thought to myself, "Joy in my heart? That sounds cheesy." But, on Sunday I decided to change my thinking about cleaning. The main reason was that my husband motivated me to think differently about it. He loves, loves, loves having a clean home. I like having a clean home, but my idea of a clean home doesn't quite measure up to his idea.
I understand why, because my mother in law keeps her home spic and span clean and neat all the time. Like, no dishes left in the sink at night, no matter how tired she may be, she will wash them. Nothing is out of place. Her house is basically spotless. Mine is not. Now, I know I shouldn't compare exactly, but my husband has grown up like this, and my cleaning skills are definitely not there. And, it's mainly because I looked at cleaning as a drudge.
This week I have challenged myself to think differently about cleaning, and tackle cleaning with a new heart and mind. When I clean now I think about it as being a blessing to my family. And, it gives me much more motivation to clean. I'm working on different cleaning and organizing projects this week, and I feel such a burden lifted off of me, and a renewed sense of peace just by cleaning and organzing!
Next week I will try to post pictures of my cleaning progress. I need some new batteries for my camera, and I should have them next week.
Have a wonderful day!!
6 comments:
Oh, this post hit home for me. I know that one of the best ways I can serve my husband is to keep a neat house, cook meals, etc, but those areas could use a lot of improvement. I, too, need to start looking at housework as a blessing to my family. Maybe I'll listen to praise music and/or pray for my family as I cook and clean. =)
By the way, I've really been enjoying your blog!
~Kate
"Which Proverbs 14:1 Woman?"
http://proverbs14-1.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for this encouragement. I too, need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind in all areas (including housework!).
I have had this struggle, too, but I have worked through it. I think there are couple of ways to come at it:
1) declutter. The fewer unneeded items you have in your house, the easier it is to clean. I am working on this constantly. With a family the size of ours, there is a LOT of stuff in this house.
And 2) make a plan the night before. Or in my case I have a list of chores that I tackle every day, no matter what. I can usually get them done before lunch time. Every thing looks neat, and I am free to tackle some extra tasks.
And while I'm not quite at the point of feeling "joyful" about cleaning my house, I definitely have a great sense of satisfaction when I've accomplished my goals for the day.
Dear S. Belle,
Like your site and will visit again.
Love the pics you have a few days ago of the tea party. So very pretty.
Blessings to you,
Deanna from the kansas Flinthills
mmm...I have thought alot about this myself. I have a tendency to let things go until I just can't take it anymore and then I turn into a cleaning maniac! I'm working to try and just do small things everyday to keep things clean and neat. However, with two toddlers around, that still seems like non-stop cleaning sometimes! LOL! I think you're right about having a right attitude and wanting to bless our families being the key!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm enjoying yours too and will be checking in again! God bless!
Post a Comment