Raise your hand if you feel intimidated by how industrious the "Proverbs 31" woman is. I wrote a blog post about how there was no way that the Proverbs 31 woman was perfect. If you feel intimidated by this chapter in the Bible, you’ll enjoy reading my thoughts on the matter. But today we’re going to look at how we can model our daily actions after her standards.
It’s clear from reading these 21 verses that the Proverbs 31 woman was very industrious and kept her home running smoothly, not only that but according to verse 24 she was a “work at home mom!”
Everyone’s standards of housekeeping are very different. We are each in different phases of our life and each have different needs and desires. But just because you have three children three and under (like yours truly) doesn’t mean you can use that as an excuse to completely neglect keeping your home.
Pray for wisdom in this matter. Ask your husband what he wants to see in terms of your homemaking. Does he want a made from scratch dinner every night and super clean bathrooms? If that’s the case then make those your priorities.
My husband helps with many household chores, because he knows I am trying to be diligent with writing. For us publishing is a joint vision, so he is serious about helping me. But I still do the bulk of the housekeeping. There’s no way I want his evenings to be spent doing dishes most nights.
When it comes to cleaning I don’t expect my house to look like a home décor magazine. There is no way with three little kids running and crawling around that it’s a possibility. My housekeeping priorities are to keep things safe, sanitary, and running.
So when I clean my floors get picked up first and child hazards are put in their proper places. Since I have a crawler putting everything in his mouth I vacuum a lot. Next, the kitchen and bathrooms are important to keep sanitary. And finally in order to keep things running smoothly dishes and laundry need to be constantly done.
My windows, are typically streaky, my clutter baskets are typically full, and my cupboards and drawers aren’t exactly organized. In this season, it doesn’t bother us. Occasionally I’ll empty a clutter basket or clean out a drawer, but quite frankly I don’t need to do those things to successfully manage my home.
When choosing your home priorities, base them on your family, yours and your husband’s preferences, and most importantly of all seek God in the matter. God cares about you keeping your home, if he didn’t it wouldn’t be mentioned in scripture.
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Good advice! From an older mom (me), when you look back at the time spent with your kids and family...you won't remember if the windows had finger prints. Enjoy the time you have with your kids - at each stage - they grow up too fast! A spotless house can come when your kids are grown and gone. :( Blessings from Wisconsin.
ReplyDeleteI like how you suggested asking your husband about what matters to him. For us, my husband doesn't care if I cook an awesome meal every single night but it does really bother him if there are toys everywhere when he comes home from work. So I generally try to always pick up right before he comes home so that he isn't stressed when he walks in the door. It's kinda hard to keep it picked up with three kids (four and under), but at least it isn't a disaster.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth@Warrior Wives
www.thewarriorwives.com
I used to be intimidated by "the perfect mom" syndrome but then I realized that God doesn't expect me to be perfect. I don't think that the pr31 was meant for us to follow like a manual - it was his mother and sure there are lessons we can learn but that is true of the entire Bible not just those verses.
ReplyDelete"When choosing your home priorities, base them on your family, yours and your husband’s preferences, and most importantly of all seek God in the matter. God cares about you keeping your home, if he didn’t it wouldn’t be mentioned in scripture."
ReplyDeleteWhat good advice and balanced practical plan of action! And your last line: so witty and so true. ;)
Thanks for linking up with Moms Against Manic Monday blog hop! Hope to share encouragement with you again soon! :)
With love,
Rebecca
I always need to be reminded of this message. Visiting from Rebecca's hop. Maybe I'll come back and read it again on one of "those" days!
ReplyDeleteBlessings...