It never fails. The house is finally quiet, the kids are happily playing together or watching a show side-by-side, and I think, “Yes! Finally, some me time.”
But as soon as I step toward the kitchen for a cup of coffee, I spot it…the mess.
Ugh.
I’m in the thick of raising little people, from two months to fourteen years and we have a cat with a personality that demands attention.
The messes are everywhere: hairballs, stray burp rags, dolls, Play-Doh, toy cars, magazines, hair accessories, pens, and papers. I pick up these little notes and “cards” daily, thousands recycled over the years. The dishes pile high, the tiny crumbs on the kitchen floor, and yet, it’s all a sign of life happening in our home.
Teaching Responsibility
The dishes? That’s one of my children’s responsibilities. I let them handle it and know they will grow into responsible adults. The crumbs? I sweep once a day and let them deal with spills in between. The teenager notices more than I do when things are untidy, and she’s learning to appreciate a clean, organized home.
And sometimes… sometimes I just do it myself.
I don’t nag, I don’t guilt, I just fill the gaps. We’re a family, a team. We help each other.
Raising Children to Serve Joyfully
We teach our children to help from the moment they can walk. Laundry, sweeping, setting the table, putting away toys, they all have jobs. They’re learning to serve joyfully, without complaint.
Even on the days I lose my patience, when I’m yelling at a kid to put away one glass while they handled thirty other items perfectly… I remember: I am a mom, and this is part of the job.
Gratitude in the Chaos
I am grateful to be a mom, I genuinely love raising them. I daydream about the adults they’ll become, the homes they’ll have, and most importantly, I pray they stick close to Christ.
And moms, if you’re exhausted from holding your kids accountable every minute of the day, here’s a little encouragement:
It’s okay to clean up after your children occasionally.
It won’t harm them. It will not spoil them. Sometimes, showing grace is part of teaching grace.
Serving First at Home
My husband never did laundry on his own until I had my wisdom teeth removed years ago, but he’s a wonderful husband now. My mother-in-law loved housework, and she did it with a smile. I want to do the same: serve my family first.
Serving others outside the home is a blessing, but our first ministry is always at home—with our spouses and children.
Finding Peace in the Season
On my quest for “me time,” I’ve realized this: in this season, my most important role is being a mom and a wife. That means running this house, and serving my family well.
Thank you to the women who taught me that it’s okay to say no to serving elsewhere when I need to first serve here. My heart is content knowing I don’t have to do it all, but all that I do, I will do with all my heart.
Love,
Quin
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