I labored diligently to get my house picked up and cleaned today…the floor needed a serious mopping (as evidenced by my baby’s knees and feet which were black from crawling all over the floor), the garage was overflowing with stuff and the car had been kicked out of its home. My windows are overflowing with fingerprints and streak marks. But there is life happening here today.
When I just focus on this role of homemaking as simply a list of tasks to be done: keeping little mouths fed, keeping laundry moving through the wash, picking up toys, and de-cluttering closets, it can easily become a burdensome task. It’s tiring. I’m sweaty all over right now.
It’s About Relationships
My perspective on homemaking takes a whole new viewpoint when I turn my gaze from the mundane housecleaning, meal-planning, and miscellaneous maintenance to how this home, this place, affects the people around me. Passion and enthusiasm in this job comes when I view it through the filter of relationships. What is the purpose of this space? How does it impact the lives of my husband, children, family, church body, neighbors, etc?
When I view it as a beautiful domain that God has entrusted to my care, a place to offer refreshment for my hubby who is weary at the end of his long workday, as a place to train and disciple my children in a warm, cozy environment, a center place of evangelism where hungry souls can come for physical and spiritual food, then my perspective changes radically.
Offer a Taste of Heaven
“Let not your hearts be troubled…In My Father’s house are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-2). Did you catch that? Jesus Christ himself is domestic. He’s creating a place of joy, peace, and great treasure for us in heaven. He’s specifically creating it with you in mind. He knows your likes, your interests, and He wants it to be a place you delight in and find eternal rest in.
“So as women, when we create welcoming homes where Christ is honored, we’re creating here on this earth, a physical, visible reflection of an eternal, invisible reality. We’re giving people a taste of heaven.” – Nancy Leigh Demoss
Your Homemaking is Ultimately about Jesus
Our homemaking is far more than just about ourselves and our homes. It’s about pointing people to Jesus.
Our mission to create a home that welcomes people – our husbands and children are at the top of that list. A place that ministers to their needs where they can find comfort, healing, rest, love, and a sense of belonging. Our culture just focuses on the home as a place to eat and sleep, but God sees it as a place where life, love, training, and comfort are cultivated.
With this in mind, when I clean my home, I’m ultimately serving Jesus. When I pick up after my husband, I’m allowing Him to rest and relax after a long days work. When I add beauty to the walls with pictures, paint, and simple decor, I’m making a place that’s homey and welcoming.
And you know what? When I do this job with joy and delight, I’m storing up treasures in heaven. For Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. And when we walk in His footsteps, life blossoms will burst from our fingertips. Children are happy. Husbands are happy. And others are refreshed. And ultimately, God is most glorified when we are satisfied in this place He has called us to. When you see your work as an opportunity to worship your Creator, God is rejoicing in you!
So sister, go forth today and scrub that toilet, cuddle up with a little one and read that story, plan that special meal to show your family you care, and know with confidence that God is smiling down upon you…He cares because He’s doing it in heaven too!
Even us single gals can get overwhelmed. I am amazed at the dishes and laundry that one person generates. I’m away all day and there are always tasks to come home to. Although few people have been in my home (haven’t been here long), this reminds me to prepare for neighbors and visitors. Both friends and relatives have shown interest in making a trip out….I can provide a peaceful and restful place for them to stay.
Oh how true this is! I’ve thought about my home being clean enough to welcome people into it before, but you’ve extended that perspective for me today. Thank you!
This is very encouraging. God moved us to a new house and it’s very overwhelming right now. Thank you for the reminder of why I am doing all this!
I just wanted to thank you for this post. My best friend and mother of three sent it to me recently because I am in my first pregnancy. I told her of my prayers to figure out what I should do about my job next year (I currently teach high school english). I expressed my concerns about this big change: going from passionately making a difference in the lives of adolescents, growing my craft, having constant adult interactions and mental stimulations to staying home all day with an infant. While I cannot WAIT to be a mom and grow my child in God’s word and love, I never thought I’d even contemplate the decision to stay home. God is revealing my flaws in identity and where I find worth. I am so thankful for woman like you who encourage others to remember that in ALL we do, we are serving the Lord.
May God continue to bless you and use you in the lives of others!
Wonderful post. So encouraging!
Such good perspective on why we do it all! I think I need to post “My homemaking is about Jesus” over my washing machine.
(My baby’s knees are currently a little black, too!)
Worked myself crazy today. Bone-tired and frustrated, household works don’t seem to get completely done. After reading this and the comments, I felt so much better. Thank you! It’s amazing how God readily answers the questions I have in my mind. I’m comforted by what I read here. God bless!
This just made me feel so inadequate. Our apartment is in a complete mess and I cannot keep on top of things. I am the farthest anyone can be from being a sahm. I don’t think I can ever get things together – spiritually, domestically, on the marriage front or on the parenting front. I think some people are blessed and others not.
Dear Inadequate,
I am just wanting to encourage you, I am not the one who posted this article, but read your comment. Yes, you can do it, it just takes time. Don’t condem yourself, the enemy just loves that when we belittle ourselves! I understand where you are coming from. I am not the best when it comes to homemaking skills. I have been married 25 years, have six children, three are grown and out the door. It is not easy to “get it together.” 1. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!!!! 2. It will come together slowly. 3. Domestically, where is the worst area? Do something small, like make the bed, then take it one step at a time. 4. Spiritually: Do you have the Bible on CD? Or praise and worship, or hymn music on CD? Just having something to listen to in the background, even Christian Radio, while you clean can help to give you something good to listen to and yet be productive. Try to read the scriptures everyday, even if you post a scripture or two in an area like the fridge for all to see, and encourage the family to memorize it. 5. About marriage and parenting. Pray, pray, pray. God does want to see you successful in a Godly marriage and bring the children up in the admonition of the Lord, meaning Loving God with your whole heart! Pray with your husband, make him your best friend here on earth. 6. God does not bless some with “extra” abilities about homemakeing. It is learned. I think that is why the older women are supposed to teach the younger women. In our fast-paced society, and fewer women staying at home to be homemakers, it is getting harder and harder to find that. Which is exactly what led me to this web site. I don’t have women mentors. It would be nice if I did. Home Economics is not even taught in the Jr. or Sr. high in my hometown. Nor was I taught that in school, for I was pushed into the buisness classes by the school I attended. It is not you, don’t throw in the towel. God has a purpose and a plan for your life! If you think you need a “Better Homes and Garden” looking place, remind yourself, they are magazine pics, designed to the the “best” and when you live in a apartment, your space is limited, and you do LIVE there, not some photo op. I lived a few years in an apartment as a young adult, then onto a single wide mobile home–when we first got married two bedrooms, three small children. Tight quarters, crowded. Then onto a bungelow style home, six kids later. clutter has always been a problem for me. I try to keep up. I have found that giving things we no longer need to those that do, or just to Good Will or Salvation Army has helped with keeping some of the clutter down as well. I hope you undertand you have not failed, do not give up, everyday is a learning process. Hone your skills you do have, use this web-site and other Christian homemaking sites, to give you some creative ideas and know that God has given you creative abilities and knowledge to do things you need to do. Take care and remember, you are NOT alone in thinking this way.
Kathy, a fellow homemaker struggling, but knowing we can do the job with the help of the Lord.
Dear Sister, Do not be discouraged. This is not a contest. No one is perfect. Failure comes only when we embrace discouragement. I’ve been there and lived in a feeling of self pity for myself when I am weary and tired. But God gently has spoken to me in these moments and said, “Do the next thing…” That is all that He is calling you to do. Do the next thing…do it with prayer. One step at a time. Do the next thing right in front of you. One book that may be helpful that was instrumental in my life in seeing through the mess and first dealing with my heart, clearing out the clutter there, is From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out. Excellent book and highly recommended. I pray the Lord would strengthen and encourage you today. You are not alone. The enemy is on the attack seeking to make you unfruitful. By simply doing the next thing, you can fight back. Embrace the Word of God. Trust in a Savior who loves and accepts you fully just the way you are. Remember…I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.
Thank you both Kathy and Lindsay – your words have been very encouraging to me. You’re right, it is the enemy trying to get me down and in some sort of paralysis. I like all the ideas you have given me, and I will by God’s grace try to implement them.
Every blessing.
Dear “felt” Inadequate,
You go girl! Hang in there! You will have days like you have experienced from time to time. It is normal. Just remember, it is like those sayings: “You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time, or Rome was not built in a day.” Do not demand perfection of yourself, but don’t sit back and do nothing! With the Lord’s help, you will accomplish great things!!! We all go through different seasons of our lives, and different stages of motherhood. Different ages of the children bring different demands. Have them do chores as well, family “projects.” Just a thought. You my dear are not inadequate, you have just been discouraged, I know, I have been there plenty of times myself. Lean on the Lord, and trust His guidance. You never know what a “haven of rest” can happen in your home and what possibilities of ministry can come from His direction! Like I said, hang in there! You are doing a great job!
Love in Christ,
Kathy
Thank you, Lindsay! This post is a blessing to me today.
I think I’m echoing others, but thanks, that was well timed!
Thank you Lindsey! I’ve currently been moved to “slow down,” as I find myself doing tasks all day everyday and my mind is never focused on doing these things for those around me, and the Lord above all. This is so encouraging for me.
Peace be with you, Lindsey.
-Chelsea
Thanks so much! I needed to read this this morning.
Awesome:)
Oh Lindsay thank you! I absolutely needed this today. Bless you sister.
Thanks very much, so appreciated this post today!
Any words of encouragement for a mom considering homeschooling?
Blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Thank you! I needed to hear this today!
Great inspiration at a time when I feel so overwhelmed with my 4 little ones!
That first paragraph was a ‘wow’ moment for me – so exactly the same things in the same order that have been playing on my mind. Thank you for being obedient in writing this post…such a blessing!!
Oh, this is so, so good and right in line with what the Lord is currently teaching me. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This was tremendous encouragement to a tired mommy and wife. So happy to be part of God’s kingdom and living my life for HIS purposes.
“…I go to prepare a place for you.”
Words I have heard countless times but never applied them to my life and my role as a mother and wife in this way before. Thank you so much for the encouragement.
thinking the same thing
Thank you so much for these words of encouragement, Lindsay. I often let the house go undone because I want to spend so much time on relationships, but there is a balance. I forget that when I don’t keep it clean and tidy, it does effect my husband and family. I love your perspective on this topic and will be trying to adopt it as my own.
With tears in my eyes, I say thanks. I had never before linked what I do as a homemaker with Jesus’ work in heaven preparing a home.
Such a good reminder. When your perspective changes suddenly those chores don’t seem as such a burden, and instead a way to bless others.
A clean house always makes me happy!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Thank you so much for this site, it is a place I come to to learn and be inspired.
I am sure God rejoices in you and your lovely family, may He bless you always. xxx
Thank You for putting that truth into a beautiful post. It’s encouraging to hear that not everyone loves mopping, but that we all enjoy a clean floor. Thank you for the gentle and clear reminder to worship our Father through what He has given us!
I’m just feeling grateful that mine aren’t the only floors leaving the kids feet black!
<3
Loved this! I struggle, every day, with keeping on top of things. I look at my house right now and am just overwhelmed. Thank you for your sweet, sweet words of encouragement.
Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed today in the midst of a busy move that was causing me to loose sight of my priorities.
thank you for this reminder and encouragement. I feel so weary dealing with the big things that these everyday tasks get pushed to the side and I don’t always do them, or do them with joy. Ahhh. Good reminder.
Thank you so much for this encouraging post!
Thank you for the encouragement! Lists are helpful, but not when they become your god! Have a great day!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I often feel overwhelmed by the “to do” list that haunts each day. I am beginning to learn that a spontaneous adventure with my 3 kiddos, or an hour of “school”(….or an hour of play) is of so much greater value than the dishes, though I can’t neglect that as part of my calling either. I truly believe that God can and will help us balance of family and our home if our eyes are set on Him!! Thanks for the reminder!
Ahh Lindsay…This was nice to read this morning. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying your home and all those adorable blessings in your life.
Great way To start my day. Thanks!
Oh Lindsay, this is just where I am at today. Thank you again for the prayerfully considered words you share in this space.
Yesterday was a day long on housework accomplishments and short on patience with my children and while I felt like I’d gotten a lot done, the impatient words rankled. Desire for different dominated my prayers this morning and it is an encouragement to find this reminder here.
I never thought of Jesus as a domestic. What a clever inspiration. I cannot wait to be a SAHM!
Thanks – this was just what I needed to read today after a bad day at home!