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Enjoy the Beauty Not the Duty

by Dionna Sanchez

There are so many duties that a mom is responsible for. It is so easy to grow weary of these responsibilities. The laundry becomes a heaping mound that is dreaded and never fully finished so it becomes burdensome as well. The other tasks that are necessary such as dusting, vacuuming, cooking, cleaning toilets, making the beds, washing windows, etc. can feel so monotonous.

I'm not sure what opened my eyes, but one day I realized that it wasn't the chores themselves that were dutiful, but it was my attitude! Somewhere along the line I had lost my joy in keeping a home.

I remembered when I first moved out on my own. How fun it was keeping a house! It was a pleasure to put my "mark" on my apartment and fill it with my belongings, my colors, and my atmosphere.

When I realized that if I changed my focus the household maintenance could become more pleasurable; I found myself looking forward to making and keeping my home beautiful.

Now I'm not perfect. I still dread doing the ironing on occasion and procrastinate taking care of my dust sometimes...but on the whole my attitude has changed in regards to my household chores and duties.I see my home in a different light now. My home is filled with love, laughter, and beauty. The clothes I wash are clothes that belong to precious people in my life. I vacuum floors that have upheld children playing, company being entertained, and memories being made from games, crafts, and wrestling matches with daddy. The beds I make give rest to my soul and keep those I love at home; safe, healthy, and near.

We are given a gift. The gift of growing and nurturing lives. If only we could see the beauty in that duty bestowed upon us a little more often... we might even hum while we do it, instead of frown.

~ Dionna Sanchez maintains her home on 1 acre in Idaho. You can find more inspiration from Dionna at her Emphasis On Moms website at http://www.emphasisonmoms.com