Arise and Shine - In the Ordinary

Today's At the Well is being hosted by Lisa over at A Second Generation of Homeschooling

The Topic For Today Is:

Arise and Shine:

Being an Exceptional Mother in the Midst of the Ordinary

Discussion Questions:

1. What daily tasks seem mundane or monotonous to you?
2. How can we change our outlook when completing these tasks?
3. What impact do these tasks have on our husband and children? How does it make a difference in their lives?
4. Is it okay to focus on earthly recognition when completing these tasks for our loved ones, or is receiving an eternal reward sufficient?

What does Jesus think is more important? Should that be our focus, as well?

Wow! This is sure to be an interesting topic. As women usually the daily tasks of the home fall upon us. The cleaning, the cooking, the dishes, the laundry, keeping order in the home etc. Most of these tasks are done over and over, the same things day after day and can seem mundane or monotonous.

But, our outlook is the key here. The tasks HAVE to be done - period. If we look at these tasks as our God given ministry and purpose, it can change our attitude. Colossians 3:17 says "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus..." If we can get it into our hearts that everything we do has a purpose and can be done unto the Lord, it will transform our outlook. The Lord expects our best - in everything. When we give our best, it shows. If our attitude is to be pleasing to Him, a joy and a purpose will follow and we will clearly see the tasks we are doing are more than just ordinary tasks, they are building blocks for our home and family.

The impact of daily tasks is enormous. Most of us do things a certain way, why? Because that is what we saw growing up. If we can grasp that everything we do is impacting and shaping our families, we can run our homes with efficiency knowing that we are planting seeds of work ethics, cleanliness and organization into our children. Our husbands learn how we like things done and we learn how they like things to function in the home. This helps create the atmosphere of peace in our homes where love abounds and where we can be accepted and loved for who we are.

Everyone loves recognition for a job well done. This should not be the sole focus for our work, but rather a motivation to continue to lavish our loved ones with more kindness and love. As Jesus walked the earth, He met need after need with abundant kindness and love. When our hearts are filled with His love, it will overflow into the lives of those around us and it will turn our focus from the selfishness of wanting recognition to the joy of serving others around us even through the mundane tasks.

There will always be days when we feel we just can't face another sink of dirty dishes or another load of laundry. That is the time to pray, asking God for a refreshing of His love into our hearts to enable us to "do it again" and to do it with His attitude. Read His Word and remind ourselves of our blessings, be encouraged to be a giver. Always keep in mind that a kind word, a smile, a delicious dinner or a kept up home is a ministry with an everlasting impact. May God bless the ministry of the ordinary!