Let’s face it. There is plenty of drudgery in life, especially when raising a family. There are dishes to wash and kitchens to clean every day. Piles of laundry never seem to go away. You spend a good part of your day cleaning the house. Then, five minutes after the kids get home from school, it’s a mess again.
Performing these menial but necessary tasks repeatedly every day can certainly take a toll on you. Some days you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and never get to achieve anything else.
But there is a way to trade the weariness and drudgery of everyday tasks for joy.
Simple gratitude
It’s easy to focus on the negative when life isn’t especially exciting. But have you ever felt melancholy, only for something to remind you of a good thing about to happen? Suddenly, your entire demeanor changed. Your circumstances didn’t change, just your perspective.
I’ve had those days when I just felt down. Maybe there was a specific reason. Maybe I couldn’t put a finger on exactly what was bothering me. Yet every time I’ve made a conscious effort to praise God and thank him for his goodness, the depression subsides. Joy began s to take its place.
Simply offering gratitude for what these mundane tasks represent will change your emotions. You’ll go from “Wow is me, to “Blessed I am!”
Here are three things you can thank God anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed with those everyday, mundane duties of life.
Energy
Naturally, you are tired after a long day at work. You then come home to your second job of taking care of your home and family.
It takes a lot of energy to do what you do. But you get it all done. And, in reality, you wouldn’t want it any other way.
Take a moment to express gratitude to God for the strength and energy He gives you each day. You’ll suddenly feel blessed that you’re capable of so many things.
Health
Nothing is more valuable than our health. You can’t put a price on it. Without good health, we can’t do anything other than focus on getting well.
I don’t know about you, but I get really depressed when I’m down with a cold or virus. I’d much rather be up and about, doing things and going places, even those dreaded, mundane activities.
Thank your heavenly father every day for your health. It’s a precious gift.
Family
Raising a family takes a lot of work. It’s the hardest yet most important job you will ever do. But aren’t they worth it! You would never trade any of your children for a more carefree lifestyle. That will come soon enough.
Before you know it, the kids are grown up and leave the nest. Every season with them is special. Embrace it, enjoy it, and be thankful for every moment you get to spend with them, even among the chaos.
When you find yourself constantly picking up those toys scattered all over your living room floor, count your blessings. Thank the Lord for your child. Remember the blessing they are to you each time you fold their little T-shirts. Even though it seems like the hundredth time that week.
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
A good life
Life is not always easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile. Neither is it always exciting, but it is still an adventure worth celebrating, even on mundane days.
Being grateful for your energy, health, and family will always bring you joy. Whether you lead an elaborate or simpler lifestyle, expressing gratitude can enhance your happiness. You can count on it!
But genuine gratitude takes practice. It doesn’t always come naturally. Here’s a post that will help you focus more on what you have than on what you don’t.
Finding Perspective: Gratitude Amid Life’s Chaos – Duking Out Life: Gratitude in Daily Tasks: Embrace the JoyShare in the comments below any experiences you’ve had where simply changing your mindset completely changed your mood. I’d love to hear about them.
