Again
I swipe off the dust that’s settled on our bookshelf and arrange the books back in their place. I’m so proud of myself for doing a little something each day that will contribute towards my overall goal of keeping my home organized this year.
Two days later, I pull out one of the kids’ Bibles from the same shelf and it’s hard not to notice the layer of dust that’s settled down again. I’m upset and whine about it to my husband. How can so much dust enter a home in a residential area?! I dust the shelf again, vigorously this time, making sure I don’t miss a spot. Anybody would think I was warning the shelf not to get dusty again… for at least a month!
No matter how many times I dust the shelves, sweep the floors, tidy the rooms, wash the dishes or do the laundry, I’ve got to do it all over again within a day or two. Cleaning a house full of boys is like sweeping a road during a sandstorm! It makes absolutely no difference – or so I thought…
But then I had to examine my why… Why do I want to keep my house clean? God reminded me of my ministry as keeper of my home. The same verse that inspired my word for this year ran through my mind…
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
And so I pick up a pair of dirty socks, clear up yet another shelf, shine the mirrors, throw in a load of laundry and hustle to the kitchen to do the dishes before my boys get home.
Why do I do it, over and over again? Obviously not to win any “Home of the Year” awards, or appreciation from others. I do it because I love my family. After a stressful day at work or an emotional day at school, I want my husband and boys to enter a haven of comfort and rest. Home, for me is a sanctuary where Christ is honored; and family is loved, just the way they are.
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inspiring! thank you
The battle of the dust is never won. We live in town, but on the edge of it…unfortunately in the shadows of a coal factory. Dust has decided that this is home and it has no plans of moving. OY! Best wishes to you as you battle it, too.
True, Suzanne. I’ve given up hope of having our home dust free for more than a day or two! 🙂
Very nice.
What a great reminder! Thanks for sharing.
” I do it because I love my family.” These are powerful words! I need to remind myself about them more and more! Thank you. Click here to check out my 5 Minute Friday