Last week I opened this series with a lesson I had learned from my girl child. I’ve always believed that lessons are important, and I want to come away with something learned, giving grace where needed, and gaining wisdom to share down the road.
Lessons are a funny thing though. Occasionally, I’ve come out on the other side of a sticky situation feeling exhausted, yet thankful I made it through; and other times the lesson was so simple that I just wanted to push the ‘Easy’ button.
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This is one such example.
I’ve been in charge of a household for a long time. Early in my marriage I learned how to handle the chore list, take care of the laundry while multi-tasking, and planning a menu for a week’s worth of dinners was a necessary evil.
Over the years the laundry part hasn’t changed much, except for the detergent I use and the number of basket loads. That’s what happens when your chick leaves the nest.
I sent my girl child off to college knowing how to clean, cook, and do laundry. I felt good about that–she could take care of herself. A few years later when she ventured out on her own, the advice and teaching came full circle.
You see, my girl child saw me doing some of the same things I had done years earlier. One day she said, “Mom, you know there are better ways to handle the chores and you’ve heard of meal prepping, right? Two bits of wisdom for the price of one.
Okay, okay, I thought, give it your best shot.
She said, “Clorox has a toilet wand cleaning system and it’s fast, easy, and does the job. And, if you meal prep ahead of time, it’s as simple as taking dinner right out of the freezer, and cutting your time in the kitchen in half. Remember, less is more.”
Where had all this wisdom come from?
I couldn’t help but think about the ‘less is more’ part. Makes total sense. This girl’s heart is all about, ‘less is more’ and I’m all about making change for good.
This was certainly one of those times.
I pray about everything and I’m always focused on finding balance in my daily routine. I’ve read tons of scripture and made solid plans to do things differently. I’ve started great works and I’ve fallen short in carrying out the great works.
What generally ends up happening–I confess my sins and shortcomings, and vow to try again. On occasion I find that I give up too easily or I believe I have a better way of doing something; or, and this stings a bit–I believe I can do it on my own.
Not on your life. Not. Even. Close. Not even something as simple as planning my day.
Colossians 3:17 ESV, says “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Some may think it’s silly to connect simple household chores to scripture, but my entire life is about following God’s plan and directions. And, there’s nothing too big or too small for Him to help me with.
So, I tried the little cleaning disks, loved the results, and gave up on all the other stuff. All I have to do is snap the disk on the wand handle and the work is a breeze.
The meal prep thing is still a work in progress, but when I do make the time to chop, slice, dice, cook, and package ahead, there are meals in the freezer ready to go for any week night dinner. My sweet man loves a good meal, and I love to cook, so that’s a pretty good match. The meal prep thing takes time and practice, but the results are worth it.
It’s comforting to know I don’t have to do any of this alone; not even the chores. I love that I have a precious daughter who cares enough about her mom to share her quick tips and short cuts. I’ll take her wisdom anytime I can get it and I thank God for His part in all of this.
In 2 Chronicles 15:7 ESV, God’s word says, “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
What changes could you make to your daily routine to show ‘less is more’?
I’ll be praying for you.
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