The daily duties of life as a mom or homeschooling parent can seem like drudgery. You’ve likely wondered how to find joy in parenting with the never-ending to-do list of cleaning, cooking, training, laundry, etc.
To be honest, joy can seem out of reach.
And often young parents will hear “Oh, enjoy these days. They go by SO fast!” from moms years ahead of them. I agree that we ought to enjoy them. However, sometimes it’s more a matter of just surviving them.
It really can be tough, but it is possible to find joy in the midst of the daily grind.
I think the KEY to finding our joy in parenting in the midst of the chaos, is to “do ALL to the glory of God.” It’s so easy to feel like we aren’t doing anything of importance or value, but any time we serve our family, we are serving God. What we do for our families is of eternal value.
I love this quote from the book The Practice of the Presence of God.
“During your meals or during your daily duty, lift up your heart to Him, because even the least little remembrance will please Him. You don’t have to pray out loud; He’s nearer than you can imagine.”
This was written by Brother Lawrence, a monk who cleaned and cooked for the other monks in the monastery. He did everything from peeling potatoes to scrubbing dirty pots, with a heart that was full of the love of God.
1. Take time for yourself every day (including reading your Bible).
It can be difficult to find time for yourself when you have a busy schedule. However, even if it’s just 15 minutes here and there, carve out time each day to do something that you enjoy. This could be reading your Bible and going for a walk, writing, or journaling. This will help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle parenting tasks with a more positive attitude.
2. Find ways to make your parenting duties fun. This technique isn’t just for kids! If you too can approach your duties with a sense of humor and fun, you’ll be more likely to find joy in the process.
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff in parenting. It can be easy to get wrapped up in the small details of parenting and to sweat the small stuff. But it’s important to remember that the big picture is what matters most.
It’s important to be consistent in teaching godly character and healthy habits, but at the end of the day, we should also be aware of how we are building and maintaining those relationships. So don’t sweat the small stuff in parenting and choose your battles wisely. Focus on the big picture, and remember what will actually make the biggest difference in your children’s lives.
“There is joy in serving others when I do it all for you.
As I drive or wash the dishes I am serving Jesus too.
Help me always to remember that to teach, to clean, to sew,
Should be every bit as sacred as to pray, to give, to go.“
Remember, everything you do as you raise your family and care for your home and husband is a sacred service to God! Be encouraged in His joy as you serve.
4 Responses
Thanks Haley! I can imagine there is always work to be done with 11 people in the home. I’m glad you are able to realize that joy comes when you do it all for the Lord. What a great opportunity you have to serve Him, as you help in your home and family.
What a great reminder to every home-maker!!! I live at home, but with 11 other people living under the same roof there is a lot of chores to do. They are delegated, but still, the joy is easily evaporated when I forget Who I am doing this for.
Thank you!
~Haley
Karen, if you email me with your address, I’ll send you a copy of the music. 🙂
I would love to have the tune to this!!!! It would be a blessing to sing it in my grumpy mom/teacher moments 🙂