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Floral painting by Mark Stilleven Van Bloemen (1792-1844) |
(Note: I originally wrote the following in July of 2019.)
Just before seven in the morning, on a hot summer day, I needed to wash the floors. I started out by cleaning the bathroom. Then I moved kitchen stools, little carpets, toy boxes, and the step-stool, out of the room so I could thoroughly sweep every corner. The last bit of work is to wash all the floors. This is part of my schedule of weekly work. It keeps the house looking pretty and neat. Then I go for a slow, little walk on my treadmill, and listen to a peaceful sermon.
But every week, just before I start cleaning, nagging thoughts of a slacker enter my mind. I tell myself I am too tired. I say that perhaps I should just sweep and not bother with the washing afterwards? I suggest to myself that a short break would be nice. I practically talk myself out of doing the work until the moment I am finished. This happens every single time I have something difficult to do in the home.
Late this morning, I had to make homemade pizza. I was tired and wanted to sit with a nice book instead. I thought frozen (processed, convenience) pizza, or something else, might be a better idea. Those nagging thoughts of a lazy housekeeper plague me throughout my chores. It is an amusing battle between prudent-and-pleasant-housewifery, and the-slacker-with-the-messy-house.
I decided I would compromise by making the pizza early in the day. It would be all ready and, in the refrigerator, ready to bake at the appointed dinner hour. This way, I could do the work but have much of the evening off to rest. I listened to beautiful hymns on my kitchen radio as I worked.
I have learned to do the hard work while doing pretty and pleasant things at the same time. I will either listen to something peaceful or I will do some happy adventure after the work is finished.
Sometimes I may just take a walk on the grounds to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Other times, I will sit in the parlour with a lovely book and some tea. I enjoy accomplishing all the hard work so much more when there is some pleasant reward. The house looks so pretty, and the homemade food is nicely made and served.
I cannot even imagine how messy my life and house would be if I listened to that nagging slacker-of-a-housewife, who is constantly invading my thoughts! It is a daily battle, where I am found smiling and laughing while I ignore that little voice which says, "You deserve a rest. You won't make it through the day if you keep this up!" I would much rather set up a workable plan, doing a few difficult things each day, to bring me great joy and happiness in a pretty home.
Blessings
Mrs. White
P. S. This post can be found in my book, "Homemaking for Happiness."
From the Archives -
Is this true? Only Rich People Have Clean Houses.
It doesn't have to cost much - Basic Cookery.
Peaceful, Old Fashioned Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.
Mother inspires the Family - The Cultured Society of Home.
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
For Encouragement in Christian Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, "Homemaking For Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home."
In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.
Entries are arranged by season, and include: "Keeping a Frugal Kitchen;" "Missing the Lilacs;" "An Evening Walk in the Garden;" "At Grandmother's House;" and "Chores for Grandchildren."
You will also find a few photographs showing a little of the local landscape.
Paperback, 307 pages.
8 comments:
I deal with this daily. Especially since I turned 69. But, in all honesty, I do seem to get tired more easily.
This is such a struggle. Sometimes I don't feel like doing something, but I have found too that once I do it I did have the energy after all, and I feel better because the work is done and the house is cleaner.
I have always found that if I tackle the have-to activities early in the day, then everything else falls into place, and there is time for me to take for rest and relaxation. Blessings, Mrs. White for your honesty and practical advice!
We're a family of three adults and we've found if we all chip in, it only takes an hour or two in the morning to keep our home neat and tidy. We're also good about putting away things and cleaning up any messes immediately, so we never have a huge clean-up.
Hugs
Jane
Oh, I know that little voice so well! I sometimes offer myself a little reward if I can get the job done, just a tiny piece of chocolate, or a few moments sitting in the sun in my garden. It's so satisfying once a task has been completed.
The best to you each day. In no way do I believe you are a lazy homemaker. Each of us has challenges to work through especially when there are health issues. That unpleasant recording we hear in our head is another challenge to overcome. May we be successful in casting it down. Here's to feeling better ! God richly bless you, ~d
We all must learn to lean in and do what we can! But sometimes we must rest! Blessings, Roxy
Dear Mrs. White, I would like some practical wisdom. So we moved into a home with some wood floors. The style in the 80’s was to leave deep grooves between each plank of flooring. So really it’s 40 years of dirt, grime and filth between each board. We vacuum them regularly. My sons have helped me get on our hands and knees with brushes and try to scrub and loosen and wash the entire thing. It is a lot of square footage. This is truly back breaking and exhausting so I put it off. Mopping will only clean the top of the floor not get in the grooves. Any wisdom how to keep my floors cleaners and sanitary? Thank you ! Hugs. ❤️
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