So...the girls spent the night with Gran and Pop Friday night. Saturday morning, Gran and Maddie had a conversation about chores...seems to be a topic of a lot of conversations around here. Anyway, Gran was telling her that she had some chores to do Saturday morning. Then they talked about Maddie and Ella's chores. The girls just can't quite understand yet why they have chores to do everyday. Gran explained that as a family, we all have things we need to do to help out. She said your mom has chores to do too, like laundry and cleaning and whatever else she listed. To that Maddie replied and I quote,
"Those are not Mommy's chores, that is her life."
Most days that is exactly how I feel. My life seems to revolve around the mounds of laundry around my house, and trying ever so desperately to stay one step ahead of needing to be the next show of "Clean House". Many days I wonder if I am doing anything for the kingdom. But God reminds me ever so gently, this time through Eric, that I am doing exactly what I was called to do. And while that may not be all that glamorous, and some days not all that fun, it is for a purpose. Maddie and Ella are watching and learning by my example...scary ain't it! If I ask them to do their chores with a happy heart, then I need to do the same. They are two precious souls that God created. If they learn to tune their hearts to Him and follow His calling, then I have done something for His kingdom.
Lord, only by your grace can we be an example of you. Fill us right now with your Holy Spirit so that we may accomplish what you have called us to.
Amen
11 comments:
Seems to me that you already have a handle on what so many moms forget. On those days that I was home with the girls, and I felt that I wasn't doing enough, my mom would remind me that raising my children for the Lord is a ministry in and of itself! You're doing a fine job of that!
There are many days that I catch myself being angry with my children for messing up what I just cleaned up and God reminds me(sometimes gently and sometimes not so gently) that this is what I am here for RIGHT NOW...this very second. They are doing what their nature (as sinful as it is) is telling them to do. It's my job to lead them away from that and being angry about training them to do that is not how you lead them away. I have learned by the fourth child, that the earlier I start teaching them to do chores the better off you are. Jayden, at age 4, does and is more willing to do so much more than Bryn and Will did at that age. He actually enjoys it and will be very good at it with all his practice. He unloads the dishwasher. Bryn or Will will put up the high stuff, but he is able to do the plastic plates, bowls, cups and the silverware. He actually gets mad if they do it without him. He also enjoys putting away laundry. Now Will and Bryn, are asked and asked and asked and when they finally do it-there's no guarantee it will be where it's supposed to be. So my tip to you-start early. Erin is also more helpful with a better attitude. I think she and Jayden just know that they have to do it because it's been that way for so long. Will and Bryn were spoiled for too long...lol.
Wow - what a quote! That pretty much sums up how I feel most days. Alas, it is like you said, we have to do this with a merry heart for the little hearts are watching - always watching - and taking it all in. This is our time to be in the home. Some days are better than others, but may we enjoy this calling we are in - everything in it's season dontcha know!
Amen & Amen. Sister, that'll preach........it stepped on my toes a little, but in a good way. As you know, we've been having much discussion in the Farmer household about doing chores with a happy heart.....I had not once made the connection that I should be doing what I expect of my children. Ouch!! Maybe that's why it's been so difficult for them to learn (cause they've seen/heard me fuss). Ouch again.
I love the prayer you voiced at the end. You said "we" so I'm assuming you covered us all. Thanks for that.
I'll remind myself (and us) what I reminded Jenny: where conviction is, condemnation isn't.
But, I do think Maddie's quote was hilarious......she's certainly got it figured out!!
Amen! You are not only an example to your girls but to me as well. Thank You.
Thank you for the good laugh and also the encouragement in regards to our everyday calling that sometimes may seem a little mundane, but with HIM it has meaning. thanks!
WOW! I needed to read that today. Last night was a frustrating night in the Rogers home and God showed me how frustrating we can be as His children sometimes and He showed me too, through a GREAT book I am reading 'How to be a Kid Chaser and A God Chaser' that no task He has called us to is menial--- whether you are wiping a nose, cleaning a scraped knee, or washing the 10th load of laundry this week, or speaking before a crowded room of people. If He has called us to it, He will give us the grace to do it!!
How powerful was your post! Thank you for the timely word!!
But, boy, does Maddie have a way with words!! LOL!!
Love you girl,
Cyndi
I'm still learning that and I don't have any children. Maybe I can learn to clean with a happy heart before we have children.
Thanks for the prayer!!
I needed that today!
I'm with Tamara, you do set example for me too.
Love ya girl,
Lacey H
Great reminder.
I tell ya...the day I do my chores with joy in my heart, somebody better do a tox screen, because I've obviously raided someone's medicine cabinet! :)
Cool layout! Looks GREAT!! I will work on the 'minor adjustment' at home this evening! I see what you are talking about now!
Thank you for the prayers for my back.
Love ya,
Cyndi
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