Monday, October 03, 2016

Holiness of Home


We have had the conversation in our home many times recently about things that must be done. There is such wisdom in this quote and I love the beautiful lettering of Ruth at Gracelaced bringing it beautiful life to display in my home.

I've had my eye on this print of hers for quite some time and over Labor Day when she had free shipping I treated myself. Hanging it in our school area has been a great reminder to not only myself, but to our children as well that moments, days and even lives are filled with opportunities to do what must be done.

Life is not one big party where we fill our days with things we want to do all the time. Yes, we try to sprinkle those blessings in! I also hope we can learn to love the things we must do as well or at least do them with an attitude of love even if they are not our favorite tasks or necessaries.

Our schedule has seemed slower than usual the past couple of months and I am relishing it. We are in a rhythm at home that is blessing me. And, part of this is diligence on my part to not fall behind and not give up on what must be done.

I've been thinking a LOT about home rhythms and what helps our home and my heart remain calm and smooth. Ultimately of course, it is Christ in me and in our home that brings this blessed peace. And the tone I set for our home holds some responsibility. The bottom line I think though, is simply doing what must be done.

When there is too much to do and I focus on that, I will feel overwhelmed which causes a feeling of paralyzing stillness. Where to start? Why? There is so much to do! I must be willing {and sometimes force myself} to start and just keep going. No progress = more discouragement. Some progress fosters a desire to press on or at least the gumption to keep at it.

I have thought about doing a series on home rhythms for a couple of reasons. One, I would like to document what is working and process what may not be for my own growth and reminding. Perhaps it will help one of my girls some day to look back and read about this as they are finding their own ways. Two, might it be an encouragement to one of you? To know that we are in this struggle and beauty together?

Home is one of my favorite places to be and I want to keep it that way! To remain faithful at home is a holy task and one that reaps benefits as it invests into the lives of my family and those who come through my door. Not only that, managing a home is holy work for me too. It is a place where I can practice and grow in the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It is refining and causes me to rely on God.

"Cease endlessly striving for what you want to do and learn to love what must be done." ~ Goethe

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Looking forward to reading thoes posts!

Angelia said...

Dear Monica, This will give light to a personal need in me. I thank God for your desires to do a series on rhythms of home. God knows my deep seeded needs as I still struggle, on my way, at 44 years old with a second batch of children. I am slowly relishing your book and write on every page. Thank you Monica, ❤️Angelia

Simply Handmade Farmhouse said...

Sounds wonderful Monica..

Anonymous said...

I am also looking forward to these posts :)

Terri S said...

Monica, Thank you for your faithfulness to sending a message out over the internet all these years. I am thankful for your bright spot in my day and I continually look for your blog posts to point me to God over and over again in new and refreshing ways. I know I don't comment much, but you are near and dear to me. Blessings on your continued journey.

Hugs!

Mom said...

This post reminds me of a sign that Ruth Bell Graham had over her kitchen sink for many years - "Divine service will be conducted here three times daily." :)