Sometimes I don’t even think about the deep spiritual definition or the wisdom behind the phrase “keeper at home,” I just use it to cheer myself on.
I tell my self to “keep on keeping on.”
In the simplest explanation, we are “keepers at home” because we keep on doing the same things
over
and over
and over
and over
and over.
Take washing dishes.
When I had all six children at home, I used eight plates per meal, three times a day, 364 days a week. That’s 8,760 plates in a year. In 20 years, that was 175,200 plates to be washed.
The count would be the same for glasses, but tripled for silverware.
That isn’t counting serving dishes, pots and pans or the additional dishes at holidays and for company. We have a LOT of company.
It also isn’t subtracting the mountains of disposables I have used, so I guess it comes out even.
It also comes out that I am washing the same dishes
over
and over
and over
and over.
It’s amazing we don’t wipe holes right through the middle of our plates.
We wash the same clothes over and over and over.
Don’t even get me started on the bedding if you have a bed wetter. Talk about testing of your faith to produce endurance!
We vacuum the same carpeting. Wash the same toilets. Mow the same grass.
We do the same things over
and over
and over
and over
and over.
Some of the chores are done monthly. Some weekly. Most daily. During the most trying times, several times in a day.
Ever have one of those kids that is famous for spilling their milk at every meal?
Ever have one of those kids that poops every time you put a clean diaper on them?
Ever have one of those Picassos that could find every marker within a ten mile radius of their little dimpled fingers?
As repetitious exercise brings strength, so do these chores bring strength, if we let it.
Haven’t we prayed for humility? Haven’t we prayed to be used? Haven’t we prayed to be able to serve Him? Haven’t we prayed that He would use our talents, gifts and abilities?
He answers those prayers first and foremost through our jobs as wives and mothers.
We will build up those spiritual qualities we desire if we keep on keeping on.
We should count these mundane chores as our spiritual service to the Lord, serving Him as wives and mothers, and doing those same things
over
and over
and over
and over
and over.
As I start the first day of the first week of the final month of summer vacation, I’m not aiming anything super exciting or glorious.
I am just going to Keep on Keeping On.
amen!
Make that "through". I can spell. I just don't like to show off. ;P
Great post! Glad I found your blog throuh momstheword.
Ignore my email as I'm back now and was able to get your blog name! I have deleted the old link and put in a new one.Great post! So much of what we do is routine and it's easy to get bored or annoyed with the constant repetition of it all.As you say, it's for our families and for the Lord!
Thanks for your encouraging reminder. So often, I get "stuck in the rut" of the mundane. I've only been a mother for three years…and, I happen to love the phrase "keeper at home"… but in all honesty… I've never really thought of it – as you've just described it here. That's truly humbling to admit. I don't always see the glory in being a keeper at home. Until now. This was a beautiful (grace-filled) post for me to read today.You've just simply put it all into perspective. Thank you!
And do not be weary in well doing, for in due season you shall reap…if you faint not. Keep on keeping on, Mindy!