Many of us hate our work. Whether it be our 9 to 5 (or more like 9 to 9 for some of us), or household duties, work is something many people resent. I must admit, I used to be in the aforementioned camp, particularly when it came to running errands and cleaning up around the house. I felt like housework was tedious and never ending, not to mention thankless. I mean how often do you hear your spouse or kid say, "Thanks so much for scrubbing the toilet spotless, or I really appreciate you paying that medical bill on time"?
Recently, I've begun to look at work differently. I recognize the importance of housework in maintaining an efficient, safe, and peaceful household. Now instead of resenting doing work around the house, I am thankful for it.
I use the time I do chores to be consciously grateful. I remember to be thankful for the financial ability to pay bills, for the physical ability to clean up, for a great family to clean up after, and for the mental capacity to organize.
On days when I am particularly fortunate, I get a moment to quietly sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Like the other day when I had a chance to stop and look at my first ever homegrown floral arrangement. It's amazing how something so small, can feel so big. Hard work and gratitude will do that for ya.
What about you do you enjoy your work?
"In everything, give thanks." ~1 Thessalonians 5:17
Oh my goodness! You made me well up. Thank you for posting this, and for stating it so perfectly and succinctly. I have been a "housewife" for 27 years and a mother for 24. The satisfaction of creating a happy home and warm, clean, environment was something for which I strived for on a daily basis and sometimes, quite frankly, it was a daunting task. It made me happy and content, and I hope it did the same for my family. I am blessed and feel very fortunate to have a husband who actually notices and realizes the effort it takes to "run" a household. So, I guess that is a good thing...especially after 28 years together. Diana and Jim
ReplyDeleteI used to have no idea how much properly keeping a home was. It's something that's unfortunately very easy to overlook and take for granted. Though I would argue it's some of the most important work around. It's great that Jim is grateful of all the work you put in.
DeleteBeautifully said! I often have to stop myself in the middle of my complaining to give thanks for being the opportunity to work. Besides the work I do at home, I teach pre-school. I am so grateful for being allowed to be one of the first in a life to introduce the love and wonder of learning.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting me and leaving a comment. Have a wonderful day! Hugs!
Being a pre-school teacher seems like so much fun. You have some an important job to do, and I'm sure you so it well.
DeleteI hope you have a wonderful day as well!
Very nicely written and yes, I do enjoy my work. There's nothing better than admiring your very own floral arrangement, as you've written here. What a sense of satisfaction that gives. I hope you are now inspired to grow more and more flowers to fill your beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, I am feeling inspired to grow more. At first, I felt intimidated by growing flowers, because I had no idea what I was doing. After a little trial and error, I'm starting to get the hang of things.
DeleteI just discovered your blog via apartment therapy (a comment on another Baltimore home), and delved a little further and saw you also live in a beautiful yellow house (we live in a 1930's yellow colonial in historic Relay, not far from you), are an avid thrifter, and have a similar aesthetic. With all the synchronicity I couldn't not comment. Appreciate your postings of other antique shops and thrift stores - I will have to plan on venturing out sometime soon!
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