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It’s Not About Perfection

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Homemaking isn't about  creating the perfect space. It's about creating a space that feels like home. @ AVirtuousWoman.org #ATimeToClean

A Time to Clean: Day 23

You can read the rest of the posts in this series here. 

How have you been? Are you making good progress on this challenge? My home is so much easier to maintain now. I still have some work to do, but already, I see such a huge difference and it makes me happy!

It’s easy when you are coming from a place of discouragement to fall back into that pit. It’s very easy. I know, because I’ve done it many times! You make some progress and then something goes wrong.

  • you have a bad day
  • you get sick – really sick
  • you go out of town and can’t catch up
  • you have several really busy days and the house gets out of control

All of those things happen to me on a regular basis. And sometimes {okay a lot of times} that means I’m exhausted and overwhelmed. And the house looks it.

And I pray no one drops in on me. Right. 

It’s like they know my house is a mess. And they want to dig it in just a little deeper. Okay, so I’m sure that’s all just my imagination, but discouragement is like that. It feeds your soul a pack of lies.

Homemaking

So, I want to remind you that all of this is not about perfection. Decluttering, cleaning, homemaking – it’s not about having a perfect space. It’s about having a space that feels warm and inviting, peaceful and cozy.

Home should be a haven. A respite from this world. The lived in look really is okay. Tidy does not have to mean perfect. Neat doesn’t mean perfect.

What so great about having less stuff is that you have less stuff to clean and maintain. Which really means in the end it’s easy to keep your home tidy. It’s a natural cause and effect. If you straightened your home at 8 am and at 2 pm your children are building a fort in the living room and have toys strewn about when the pastor pops in… there’s no reason to be embarrassed. You’re doing what you should be doing.

[Tweet “Homemaking isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels like home.”]

There’s no shame in living life in your home. If you are doing the best you can, there’s no shame in living a life that creates a mess on a daily basis. It’s the noble act of homemaking, making a home – creating a space that your family lives in and grows in and loves in and finding beauty in the real  that is what motivates us to continue in the daily mundane. Because it’s every real moment you live fully that makes a beautiful life.

“I want to see beauty. In the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep.”
― Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing. Live your life fully, embracing every joy and ever harsh reality with passion. Because you only have this one life.

Homemaking isn't about  creating the perfect space. It's about creating a space that feels like home. @ AVirtuousWoman.org #ATimeToClean

Today’s Goal

  • Embrace your life – the good and the bad. Praise God for all of it. Ask Him to help you live this moment and the next fully.
  • Determine to live with purpose.
  • Pray about making hard decisions – about what things you should keep, preserve, or let go.
  • Pick up a journal and write down your thoughts about what He has shown you or print my free prayer journal.
  • Choose an area in your home you want to tackle. I’ll be working in my bedroom today.
  • Fill at least one bag or box full of stuff to give away. You can donate to our Appalachian Community Center if you’d like.
  • Take a picture of your bag. Share it on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram – use hashtag #atimetoclean {optional}
  • Leave a comment below about what you chose to get rid of and anything else God has laid on your heart.
  • Do your best to wake up early tomorrow and spend time in prayer. Use your prayer journal. I’ll be waking up around 6:00 am.

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14 Comments

  1. Thank you for this today. I just read this and the "Clutter and Discouragement" day 7. It put me in a better mood. I am trying my best and my kids and husband are happy. That makes me feel happy. That counts for something right? God bless, Stacy
  2. I found your blog on Pintrest about a week ago. It's been a huge blessing already. I've been a sahm for only 2 yrs. I missed the privilege with my first son. My mom was a working parent, so all my life i knew how to work out of house. In house totally different story. I've been getting better, but finding your site is like the Lord telling me to kick it up a notch. Lol. Your kitchen planner is just what I've been looking for. Thank you!
  3. Hey Melissa, I just want to say that stumbling upon your website while looking on pinterest for planners - was such a blessing! Not only is your blog a wonderful influence, but I have found many great ideas on it. Also thanks for offering the Ultimate Health Bundle, I have been so inspired by that - and now my husband and children are showing interests as well. I want to do it all NOW, my husband keeps reminding me, "If you're going to do a good job and do it right- take one step at a time - let's not overwhelm ourselves - or we will want to quit soon after we start". He is right, I have done that many times, and am starting to learn from the mistakes ;). Thanks again! Blessings and prayers coming your way!
    1. You're husband is a smart man! Baby steps - taking one new thing on at a time will help you to create new habits that stick. It's so easy when your so excited about changing your life for the better to want to do it all right away. And there's nothing wrong with that desire! It's just that that kind of momentum is hard to maintain for any real length of time. Make a list. Choose one thing to work on and give it all you've got. The go on to the next thing on your list. God bless you, Dori, and happy new year!
  4. Such a wonderful post! I found you on the Happiness is Homemade Linky. I "tweeted" your tweet above. Thanks Angie PS - I also wanted to invite you to hop on board the Great Blog Train (blog hop) & travel with us to Myrtle Beach: http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2015/02/the-great-blog-train-26-giveaway.html
  5. Love this! Perfection in my home is something I had to let go of as soon as I had kids! I am blessed to have a hubby that shares in the housework and laundry! It helps, alot! :-) Saying hello from the weekend re-treat! Cathy

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