It's a Wonderful Life
I am often asked how to find joy in the mundane. Well, what if the mundane IS the joy?
I recently had the joy and privilege of staying home.
That’s it. That’s the whole story of one very happy day.
I am a homebody by nature. The Lord wired me to be content in my own four walls, rarely venturing out or seeing people who call me wife or Momma. I know not everyone is like this. Some women really do need more— especially if they are in the season of many little and not much adult interaction.
For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.—Hebrews 3:4
But when the Lord gives us families and homes to tend, the bulk of our days are often, by necessity, rooted in that one place, with those little souls who look to us for well, everything. How to find contentment in such a small space? How to grab hold of joy when day after day is the same?
Even if you don’t agree with Laura Ingalls Wilder that, “Home is the nicest word there is,” you can still find peace, purpose, and delight in the life and place God has given you. Some ideas:
Stop and see. Observe your children engaged in play. Watch the way the light hits the windows in the morning. Admire the cozy little areas you’ve carved for yourself in your home. These are all blessings! Don’t forget to see them as such.
Take a walk. The worse the weather the better! Nothing will give you an appreciation for the shelter you’ve been given like remembering how God uses it to protect you from the elements.
Put on some music. Calm, quiet music completely changes the environment and settles your heart in a place where all you can see is joy.
Ask God to show you how He sees your home and family. This may be the most powerful tip of all!
Let your imagination run. So you’re not at home, schooling your kids and tending to the little messes of the day. Instead, youve got a job outside your home and your kids are… where? What does your morning look like? Are you truly more content?
Give yourself a little ritual. For me, it’s my afternoon cup of tea and sitting with my husband. What would break up your day and allow you to reflect on it even as it’s still unfolding?
Add Scripture throughout the day. Listen to your Bible, read it, put reminders of it in your home.
Find a podcast that inspires you to delight in your role and pop it on while you’re doing dishes, folding clothes, etc.
Take up a home-based hobby that beautifies your surroundings. Knit. Sew. Embroider. Paint. Draw. Whatever you can put your hands to that blesses your space will ultimately turn your heart more towards home!
Play a verbal game with your kids called, “What I like about home.” Listen to their answers. It will warm your heart.
These are just some ideas. There are plenty of other ways to cultivate a contentment in your daily life. What have you tried? What would you recommend to others? Where do you find your greatest joy at home?
In Christ,
Heather