Successful Homemaking with Toddlers: Is it Possible? Part 2
Last week, I talked about the need to redefine "successful homemaking." Contrary to what some may think, it doesn't mean that we live a life of perfection. Rather, I believe successful homemaking is the result of a woman seeking to first and foremost glorify the Lord in her calling as a child of God, a helpmeet to her husband, and a mother to her children.There will be many days when things look far from perfect but if our primary goal is seek first the Kingdom of God, honor the Lord, and glorify Him with our lives, we will have true success in God's eyes (Joshua 1:8, Matt. 6:33). And, I also believe that a side product will be a much calmer, cheerful, and orderly home (at least most of the time!).
We must begin with first things first:
1) Successful, God-glorifying homemaking with toddlers is only possible when we rely totally upon the Lord.
You cannot do this in your own strength. You can try, but you will quickly find yourself frustrated, burned out, stressed, and overwhelmed.
Learning to walk in the spirit, instead of trying and failing in my own flesh has been one of the greatest lessons I've learned as a young mom. Like never before, motherhood has brought to light just how inadequate and insufficient I am in and of myself. Truly, I can't do this myself.
I need God's strength, God's grace, God's help... His kindness, His gentleness, His long-suffering, His love, His compassion.
God has given me these children, He can equip me to be faithful to the task of raising them. God has called me to be a keeper of my home, He can sustain me and give me wisdom to manage it for His glory. With God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). Even all those things that may look, seem, and feel impossible.
When we live our life in the strength of the Lord, we can do all things (Phil. 4:13)--including managing our home with toddlers underfoot! So, don't try to do this mothering and homemaking thing alone!
To be continued...
Labels: Home Management and Organization
posted by Crystal Paine at 5:00 PM
5 Comments:
Crystal, this post is so wonderful and encouraging! It is easy to caught up in the day to day and become overwhlemed when our focus shifts from God. I too often find myself frustrated, overwhelmed, and short with my husband and the children when I step away from putting God first in my thoughts and actions, and from leaning on His strength to get me through. Your words ring so true and it is wonderful to be reminded of what we really need to be doing in order to be "successful."
Thanks for this reminder, Crystal. I know I am guilty of wanting a perfect house all the time, and get tired of picking up toys. When I obssess about having a "Home and Gardens" type of home I get tired and stressed out.
Thank you for the reminder. I have been struggling with trying to keep everything perfect and not relying on God. All the frustration that comes with doing it on my own is not worth it. It's great to be reminded that we need to rely on God to get us through. He called us to serve our families and He will help us to succeed.
Erin
Crystal,
I think there was a typo. I tried to look up Matt. 7:33 and it wasn't there it only went to verse 28. What was the verse you were refering to?
Christina
I am so happy to have found your blog! This series of blogs is so inspiring and informational and such a good reminder! It is so easy to forget that God is the one in control! And not me! Thank you so much for that reminder!
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