Little Helpers

Last week I told the girls that I needed to sweep the floors. Immediately they both said, "I want to help." Off they went to the laundry room to get their broom and mop. It was so cute to watch them helping and they did a great job. I was reminded again how precious these moments are. At this age anything they can do to "help" is what they want to do. I often hear, "I want to help you with supper (or lunch)" or "I want to help you with the laundry" or "I want to help you do whatever you're doing." You know, sometimes I find myself thinking, "It really isn't a good time because _____." That blank can be filled in with "I need to get supper on the table" or "I don't have time" or "I don't have the patience right now." Then, thankfully, the Lord reminds me that my job is not to necessarily make sure everything happens exactly on time nor is it my job to make sure I'm "comfortable." My job is to train our children and to train them well. It's not about me.

Ever since Evie was born, I have really desired to teach her and any other daughters we might have in the future (ie Mary Fran) that working at home is a blessing and a privilege and FUN! It is not "settling" or mediocre to stay home and be a homemaker but it is also a job that needs to be done with purpose. Eternity is involved in the everyday tasks of life. I find myself sometimes getting bored or tired of cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and all the other "repetitive" stuff. However, Colossians says that we are to "work as unto the Lord." That means in everything. Therefore, all the cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and "repetitive" things are a ministry to my family and I am serving the Lord when I am serving them. It is also important the attitude in which I am doing all of these things and I have two (soon to be three) sets of watchful eyes who are soaking it all in. "Help me, Lord, to demonstrate joyfulness to these impressionable hearts."

The Lord is continually showing me to take advantage of our children's willingness and desire to help with the everyday tasks of life in our home. Also, He is reminding me to make those opportunities appear and to involve them. It doesn't matter if things get super messy or they have just had a bath or it will take longer. These are eternal things and lessons and now is the time to teach them. It is good to be reminded to let go and see eternity in the small moments and mundane tasks. With that said, here are some pictures of our helpers!

Future grocery shopper extraordinaire!