I’m steadily getting the house back in order after Christmas. It feels good to clean things out. I’m looking towards New Years, and have decided not to wait until January 1st to start implementing some new things in my life. Well, maybe not new things, but things that I want to raise in priority. First, I want to get myself to bed earlier, every night, because that seems to be my #1 obstacle to having my time with God every morning before the rest of the family is awake.
Second, I’m going to get a better handle on the housework in my house. I used to think that when I did a cleaning “system” it would work for about 6 months, and then I would fall off the system, and feel like a failure. I have always been the messy one in my family growing up, and that identity still follows me as an adult who happens to be a homemaker. The last few years, though, I have observed my older sister who is naturally very organized. I’ve noticed that she changes up her cleaning/chore system every few months. She does that just for fresh inspiration.
It got me thinking, maybe when I fall off a “system” it’s not because it’s not working, but it’s because as a human I need fresh inspiration. My organized sister views that as just a part of being organized: creating constant inspiration. It’s fun for her. I naturally view the need for that as a failure, or flaw in myself. I wonder where on earth I got that idea?
In any marathon, you need cheerleaders. You need a plan. You need accountability. You need something that stirs up passion in you.
Since I believe motherhood isn’t a sprint but a marathon, the same would hold true here. I think that we need inspiration, and someone coaching us (Titus 2). I think the area of motherhood, which is such an exhausting vocation, it’s especially important that you feed your soul regularly.
So this morning I’m going to share a shameless plug for my friend Sally, although I don’t think this one is limited to moms. Sally has been such an encouragement through her books, conferences, and webinars. She has this beautiful view of motherhood that speaks to my heart. Her focus isn’t making all your children walk the line perfectly, but discipling/mentoring them, and fostering growth in their God-given gifts. Her message is so grace-filled, and she never ceases to inspire me.
I get to go see her in Colorado at the end of January, which I’m very excited about. I know that’s not possible for everyone. Today you can sign up for a free webinar, though, where you can access some encouragement from anywhere.
The theme of her new book is Own Your Life which, I feel, needs explanation. She has a great introduction to her book here. This book is about understanding God put you in your situation, in your family, with your gifts, for a specific purpose. We can either look at our neighbors, wish we had what someone else has, and live a life full of discontentment, or we can see the life given to us as a blessing and opportunity, and own it. We can fight it, or hold it as a gift.
To sign up for the free webinar, just head on over here. I highly recommend it. There is no shame in needing fresh inspiration, and Sally’s books have been a constant source of it in the past.
What areas are you thinking of working on in the New Year? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
***this is not a paid promotion. I genuinely love Sally’s message and want to share with my friends.
Sally Clarkson says
December 29, 2014 at 3:40 pmlove this article. I, too, am naturally a little messy, with my husband being the best organizer in the world! But, ordering life as you said, is what keeps me going forward. Thanks for these wonderful words. I pray you will have the best of best years.
Penney Douglas says
December 29, 2014 at 3:50 pmI’m a messy, too, and I am like you in another way. I change the way I do things all the time. Especially when it comes to homeschooling. I need fresh inspiration all the time. And I have viewed it as a failure or weakness. Thank you for helping me to see it in a more positive light. I am looking forward to reading Sally’s book, too. This is a wonderful review.
Joyful says
December 29, 2014 at 4:17 pmThey say that changing things up a bit (like moving the things on your desk or the trash can) keeps your mind sharp. So, changing up your Housekeeping plan should help to keep your mind sharper! 🙂
Not so mind numbing… so to speak.
Gail says
December 29, 2014 at 4:42 pmI love your post! I agree, Sally is such an inspiration to wives and mothers! I am looking forward to reading her new book! What a blessing to be able to go to Colorado to see her…..I am very excited for you!!!! Blessings from Kansas!
Kristin says
December 29, 2014 at 8:35 pmLove, love, love your poster about finding ways to reach your kids, not escape them. I’m adopting that one. 🙂 great post!
elizabeth says
December 30, 2014 at 7:47 amI totally get needing inspiration and am so glad for your sources!
Amanda says
January 14, 2015 at 11:29 pmThere is so much good stuff in this post! I have a messy house (though all my friends and family think its clean because I break my neck to clean it when they come!) and I make all kinds of excuses for not being tidy. Honestly, I have come to grips with the fact that I’m too spontaneous! If I would be better about planning my menu, tasks, projects, etc, I wouldn’t be as overwhelmed trying to clean it up. When the kitchen is dirty from dinner, I should NOT bake something… when I’m in the middle of a fabric project, I should NOT decide to make soap! I’m rambling here, I know, but it is so nice to hear someone say that their house is messy and they fall off the organized-tidy wagon, too!