I hate housework!
Actually, I started to let those three words be this whole blog post; but, then I thought it would probably be the world’s shortest blog post and if I was going to get famous for writing the world’s shortest blog post I might not want it to be three words that have the potential to make me look lazy or ungrateful. Truth is, I’m not lazy and I’m certainly not ungrateful; I just find that sweeping the floors and doing the laundry today only to have to sweep the floors and do the laundry again tomorrow gets to be tiring and tedious and boring and just plain no fun.
BUT, you know what is even less fun? Not sweeping the floors or doing the laundry on a regular basis! I can’t stand the feeling of dirt on the bottom of my feet when I’m running around barefooted in the house (which is 99.99999% of the time, seriously!), or not being able to find something to wear (which seems to always happen when I’m in a hurry!). So, I sweep the floors and do the laundry – only two examples of a long-long list of what the term “housework” entails.
Moral Of The Story Time: Most of the things that need to be done on a regular basis aren’t super fun!
Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor.” (NASB) When I read this verse I began to think about how much easier it is to run life diligently than to get behind or get caught off guard and then have to frantically push through the “mess” made by slacking off (#guilty!!). I think that scenario definitely fits into the definition of “forced labor.” This stands true whether the topic is housework, finances, relationships, or health. And, don’t even get me started about how important it is to be diligent in daily devotion and worship!
So, maybe saying, “I hate housework,” is a bit of an overreaction. Though it will probably never be my favorite thing to do, I’ll keep doing it and be grateful to have an enjoyable home in which to live. I’ll also keep doing the work that it takes to have joy in my health, finances, relationships, and devotions. Because, even on the days that it may not feel like it’s worth the effort, diligence beats forced labor any day of the week!
How about you, do you have any thoughts on this topic? If so, please share them in the comment section below and…
Let’s Grow Together!
7 thoughts on “I Hate Housework!”
Hahahaha….you stole my thoughts! I HATE HOUSEWORK, too! But you are so right, Sheranna. I am so blessed to have a decent place to live and shouldn’t complain about the daily, necessary rituals. Truth is, there are days I choose to have fun when I’m not needed somewhere, and I’ve gotten to the point that I no longer feel guilty. At my age, I’m thinking….LIFE IS SHORT…..but please Lord, don’t let me die today….I didn’t sweep the floors or clean the bathroom and they can’t let anyone in my house. LOL.
Donna, your comment is perfect!! Thank you for it! I’ve had similar thoughts about not being able to let anyone into my house…hahaha… But, I’m trying to focus on the blessing of the work whether it’s housework, relationship work, or otherwise, and be diligent and grateful too. But, also learning to not feel guilty for choosing to have fun sometimes—like maybe a week of sewing with YOU!!!
Gotta say, I feel you! Housework is really tedious, boring and never really noticed unless you don’t do it and that’s usually whencompany comes unexpectedly and I don’t mean the ones who could care less about your lack of housekeeping ; it’s generally someone who “never” leaves their house unless everything is in it’s place, every dust bunny has been removed, all th appliances shine like the top of the Chrysler Building and the air smells fresh and clean with no lingering odor of last nights collard greens or cooked cabbage. (I’d say fish, but I don’t do fish, especially in my house).however, I just smile, invite them in, put on the coffee, get out the cake I just made, move the stack of pictures i’ve Been sorting and tell them how glad I am they stopped by! My thoughts are,” if they came to see a perfect house, they chose the wrong place. If they came to see me, we’ll, just come on in, don’t mind the mess, ‘cause I don’t! Hopefully it will look better next time you visit, but don’t bet on it!
Hey Sheranna! Nice blog. the Lord has been reminding me lately that it’s all about perspective and opportunity in situations. I don’t personally struggle with everyday household chores but I do struggle with the ones you need to do about once a month or once a year. I HATE those! So as I read this, I again was reminded of perspective and opportunity. Many times it’s all in our mindset as to how difficult it really is. When reality is it’s not very time consuming or hard we just simply don’t like it or want to do it. But it’s an opportunity for us to spend time with God or worship or listen. I actually have some of my best worship time, conversations, etc during times of cleaning and digging into the thing I don’t really enjoy. Cheerful heart doing it. When I choose to look at the opportunity in it how can I really say no? I mean who doesn’t wanta spend time with God and hear his voice or allow him to refresh your spirit while you work? God is a God of order so I choose to maintain my house in the same way.
These verses are good ones for this topic:
1 Corinthians 14:40
Colossians 3:23
1 Timothy 3:5
Thanks for sharing your heart. Love reading your blogs.
Angie, I got so many chills while reading your comment! I have also turned my “chore time” into a time of worship on many occasions. It’s a great opportunity to meditate on scripture and listen to His voice while practicing diligence. I agree completely that it is “all in our mindset” and a mind set on the word of God changes our attitudes every time. The verses you listed are SO powerful! I just looked each of them up and am going to make them into a personal devotion. 1 Timothy 3:5 particularly struck me, “for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?”
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this!
Love you Sheranna!!
Love you too, Angie, and am grateful for you!!