Housework Philosophy 101

Ok, I confess... It makes me deeply sad when I read in other blogs that people hate housework, or even certain aspects of cleaning house.

There, I said it.

So to do my part in helping this great mass of misguided people, I am going to offer some help. Some advice.

Here goes.

1.) While you are cleaning house, it may help to remember that more than likely, you are cleaning some things you prayed to receive. Maybe God answered your prayers with that new couch, dishwasher, dining room set, etc. Why complain about caring for an answered prayer? And too, if God hears us complaining about the things which He's given us, why should He give us more if it will only bring future complaints to His ears?

(That's a good thing to remember, too, if you prayed for a larger house and are now complaining about having to clean such a big house.)

2.) If we are more careful, more conscientious to buy only the things we love, we will be more likely to enjoy caring for them. I have a set of yellow dishes with flowers and their French names written upon them-- after six years they still make me smile. I still enjoy washing those dishes in warm, sudsy water.

3.) Where is the burden in caring for your household things so to make your loved ones more comfortable? So to give them a healthy, cheerful environment? Why act like a martyr when in reality, you've been given a canvas (your home) in which to express the real you?

4.) Housework presents a wonderful opportunity in which to dream and meditate while pushing around a vacuum or dusting or sweeping.

5.) Housework is a terrific excuse for listening to your favorite CD nice and loud so that you can hear it as you walk from room to room. Ditto your favorite DVD.

6.) Never buy into the lies echoing all around you which say, "Cleaning house is menial." Nothing in this life is menial--it's only our attitude that makes anything small and unimportant. Jesus said that if we want to be great in God's kingdom, we were to learn to be a servant of all. When we serve God and others with gladness, then everything appears in a whole different light.

Everything looks different in that light--even housework.

Especially housework. You'll know you're doing it right when you start looking forward to it. Until then, keep practicing!


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