She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27
Domestically Challenged! That’s what the plaque says before entering my kitchen!
Funny, it was always my dream job to be a stay-at-home mom. And it still is…it’s just that it hasn’t exactly turned out the way I expected.
I dreamed of a clean, organized home where visitors could pop in unexpectedly and find everything spotless. And I would offer them something homemade because I had plenty of time to bake.
Okay, let me pause for a minute while I have myself a big ole belly laugh! :)
It’s true! I wanted to be just like June Cleaver and Carol Brady! Of course, Carol had Alice to help her out! ;)
I remember writing in my book, God Keeps His Promises, that I wanted to pinch myself when I took a right turn out of my children’s school parking lot to return home each morning, rather than making the left turn that would take me in the direction of my job I had held for several years.
My dream job! For a while, I was so happy and content just being at home.
Soon, I discovered that I was eligible to take part in activities I was not able to previously because I worked full time. I was asked to be the grade mom for my son’s class. I began attending women’s Bible study on Wednesday mornings while my mother babysat for me. I joined the prayer team. Before I knew it I was helping lead a Bible study, coordinating the prayer team, and teaching a ladies’ Sunday school class. And I never turned down an opportunity to speak when I was invited.
I loved volunteering to chaperone field trips or help plan parties for my children’s classes, because that was something I had missed out on when I worked outside the home.
All this on top of the normal grocery shopping, Costco runs, and hauling my kids to dance, ball practice, and just waiting in the normal car rider lines soon had me feeling like I was driving in one big, giant circle. Over. And over. And over. Day in. And day out.
My home was far from the haven I had envisioned. Probably because this stay-at-home mom was seldom at home!
Serving and volunteering is all good. Please do not misunderstand. But repeatedly over the last 2-3 years, I have heard the same message. Good things are not always the best things. I recognized that I needed help in this area and contentment was at the heart of the matter.
I realized I wasn’t really content just staying at home. I had been searching out other ways to connect with others and fulfill a purpose while neglecting the #1 calling God had given me.
Ashamed now for all the times I would catch myself saying things like, “When B goes to preschool…” or “When B starts kindergarten…” I will have so much more time to do X . Whether home projects, writing more regularly, serving in my church or community, or just meeting a friend for lunch…I was making plans for the future rather than enjoying the present. Doesn’t sound like one who is very content, huh?
The fastest five years of my life have just passed me by. My baby is starting kindergarten next week. I’m thankful for the time I’ve had with him, but I’m also a bit saddened because I know I will never get that time back or have the opportunity for a do over.
This chapter is finished.
Because I couldn’t keep doing so many of those good things that kept me frazzled, I took several things off of my plate. Last year especially, I made an effort to stay home more. I actually learned to say no. I try now to stop and ask God before I jump and say yes to every event or opportunity.
However, I still have a long way to go! I have been playing catch up with my house from all of the disorganization that accumulated while I was trying to fly in a cape! (I crashed of course!)
Titus 2:3-5 (NIV) says, Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
There is much to be gleaned from these verses but three words are crying out to me!
Busy At Home.
Oh, that we would learn to be content where God has called us! Even in the laundry, the dishes, the kids’ toys, and their homework!
In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he instructs them to make it their ambition to lead a quiet life. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
To be busy at home and living a quiet life may sound boring, but it is good. It is a blessing, after all.
There is hope for the domestically challenged to become the domestically content!
Lord, You have blessed me in so many ways. I am ashamed that I have struggled with being content in my circumstances. Help me not to dwell on my past failures, but embrace the calling I have been given right now, resisting the urge to wish my life away. May I find opportunities to minister to others, especially my family, each day and not take these precious years for granted. Amen.
What about you?
Have you found yourself in a situation where you are feeling less than content?
Be honest with God and ask Him to help you become content with your circumstances – “Bloom where you’re planted” so to speak.
Make a list of positives in your current situation and give praise to God.
Ask Him to show you His will and His plans for your life. That He would make His desires your desires. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NASB)
For His Glory,
Christy
PS – Before I completed this blog entry, I was given an opportunity to say yes to something else. Once again, I had to stop myself before committing in order to take some time to discuss it with God first. Trying to wait for His answer. Maybe one day I’ll get it right! :)
© 2011 Christy Long. All rights reserved.
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