EVERYDAY ROUTINES

They become pitfalls if we let boredom, anger, or resentment set in. We’ve all been there. And if you’re like me, hate the feelings that accommodate such reactions. They dampen our entire day.

Laundry and dishes always need cleaning and even the routine of putting them in a machine becomes tedious at times. I’ll say it. Sometimes we’re lazy, no matter how easy the task. If we let dishes or laundry pile up, eventually we’ll have to bite the proverbial bullet and clean the mess, deepening our frustration because the mess takes longer to clean.

Rest easy there is hope.

I’m not talking about thumbing through the yellow pages for a fulltime maid, but if you can afford one, have at it!

Mundane issues are sure to pop up elsewhere.

But take heart, Sisters. As I said, there’s hope. If we want to get through all the humdrum with a smile on our face at the end of it all, here’s all we have to do. It’s simple really.

Instead of complaining, try focusing on praise and thankfulness. If we have two good feet to stand on, that’s reason enough to praise or two arms, and hands to work with. Or the appliances that make our work less difficult; a home to live in; clothes on our backs.

What if we simply focus on who God is and what He’s done for us? He sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins. He took our place so that we can have an abundant life … here and now.

Our tasks become joyful as we sing love songs to our Savior; as we quote beloved scriptures; or spend time in prayer and praise. It’s amazing how much quicker a job seems to get done and how much better we feel after it’s finished. A little note hung over our work area can serve as a good reminder and perhaps a peaceful picture. Whatever it takes to turn our attention to praise, we’ll feel better and be blessed.


“And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives –words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.”

Colossians 3:17 The Message