Little hands reach out and pull the covers off my shoulder. “Mommy! What are we eating for breakfast? MOMMY!”
Good morning, children with urgent needs. I see you’ve found me—cozy and sleep deprived.
Before my feet hit the floor, I wonder, “Are there eggs in the fridge? Are there clean clothes for the day? Is the dishwasher unloaded? Oh, no…I bet we forgot to run it last night.”
I snap at my twins. “Guys. Be quiet. I’ll get you food in a few minutes.” The baby starts crying, and I deflect the twins again so I can make a bottle. While brewing coffee, I notice the counter is splattered with drops of sugary milk. They will probably harden into glue before I have time to wipe them up. I sigh.
I didn’t want to wake up to the sound of screeching children. My good intentions included an open Bible, fresh-baked muffins, a smiling face, brushed teeth, and a ready-for-the-day attitude. Instead, my kids have a grumpy mom with morning breath who feels behind—again.
Sometimes the important things seem to be left waiting day after day while I’m keeping up with urgent tasks and immediate needs. “When am I going to read more books to my kids? When am I going to practice sign language for my son’s speech therapy goals? When are we going to read the Bible as a family? When are we going to meet our neighbors?”
I feel like a modern-day Cinderella mom—working, working, working to complete my chores with a shred of hope that if I get them all done, I can go to the ball. Or in my case, rest and spend more time with the people and things I love and value.
At different times and in different seasons, I’ve utilized helpers and various methods of organization. I’ve attempted to keep all my home-related tasks under control so I have space for more important things. Occasionally, I’ve become overwhelmed by the very strategies I’ve used to prioritize productivity instead of people. At other times, I’ve given up on productivity altogether, letting the sink overflow with dishes and the laundry baskets spill on the floor in the name of relationships. Eventually, those relationships became strained when people felt stressed and unloved because of my ill-managed to-do list.
Is there another way? How can I diligently complete my day-to-day tasks at home and live a life that really matters?
If you are determined to finally find a strategy and a system; if you keep telling your kids, “I just need to do this one more thing and then I’ll help you”; if you think your productivity, cleanliness, and orderliness are evidence of your worth—remember the gospel. Remember that Christ worked on your behalf, and put down the to-do list for a bit. You’ve been called to the Great Commission. How are you making disciples and spreading the gospel? Yes, you’re imaging him as you do good work, but don’t forget about the souls around you. As
King Solomon notes, all your toil is ultimately vain. You can’t take your sparkling kitchen with you, but the people in your life will live forever. How are you showing them the love of Christ?
On the other hand, if you are tired of your to-do list; if you want to ignore the laundry, the grocery list, the overflowing mudroom lockers, and the dirty sheets; if you are living for the break at naptime or bedtime or a chance to sit on the couch and read a book and breathe—remember the gospel. Remember that Christ redeemed you to work hard in this life for his glory, knowing this toil isn’t forever. Go find your to-do list. Image God and love others by providing a well-ordered, clean, and calm environment where you can. Start somewhere and remember Proverbs 13:4: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” You might think that avoiding your work feels good, but it will feel better to work hard alongside those you love and enjoy rest on the other side. Are you learning to walk in good works and obedience in the strength of the spirit?
The gospel bids all kinds of home workers to come to Christ, to acknowledge our broken ways, and then to redeem our work at our current home bit by bit while we wait for an even better one.
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The above excerpt is from Risen Motherhood by Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen. Learn how the gospel connects with your everyday moments of motherhood. Tackling real life topics like postpartum body image, food choices, marriage, traditions, and school choices, Emily and Laura will help you discover that the gospel really does change everything.
The Risen Motherhood book has a new BFF! The Risen Motherhood Guided Journal, the companion to the best-selling Risen Motherhood book provides moms with a beautifully decorated space to answer discussion questions, apply each chapter’s teaching to their own lives, and record their thoughts and prayers. You can order your copy today by using the link above.
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