A Holy Heart is Better Than a Clean House
I write this post from the perspective of a new mom, but I think the principle will apply to many.
One of the greatest shocks motherhood made to my system has been the massive changes to my schedule. I just can’t do as much as I would like. A simple load of laundry can take all day to complete, with repeat runs in the dryer to get out all the wrinkles that inevitably set in after hours of lingering. Before she wakes up I have to decide if I would rather eat breakfast or take a shower. Nighttime feedings mean that I may need to wave the white flag and put myself down for a daytime nap, even though there are a million items on my agenda. You see, I am a ‘go’ girl; I want to get stuff done – on my timetable, not someone else’s.
Clearly, living with a three week old has forced me to reconsider my priorities.
The other morning I began to feverishly pick up my house as soon as little Carson lay down for her morning nap. I hastily grabbed the odds and ends on our kitchen counter with the intent to return them to their rightful place. My hands landed on my burgundy leather bound Bible, just another odd end I planned to stow away. Instantly, the Holy Spirit gripped my heart.
“Carson needs a mom that is holy, not a house that is clean.”
Instead of continuing Operation Clean Sweep I took my Bible to the couch and spent the morning reading the Word, earnestly praying, and pursing Christ rather than a pristine house. It was a far better use of the quiet moment than I first planned, I can tell you.
Today, whatever lingers on your agenda, I urge you to lay your own preferences down. It may be nice to get the floors swept, to finish that essay, to work a bit more on that big project – but only for a moment. Before tackling your to-do list, I invite you to seek The Lord while he may be found. Everything else is secondary.
Wow, Victoria! This blog post really hit home for me. Thanks so much for sharing it. I am definitely going to be pondering on this one for a while.
I’m glad it resonated with you, Megan! Thanks for reading. You are such an encouragement.
Wise words to live by, and from such a yooung person too.
Thanks mom 🙂 that means a ton.
Such true words! Thank you for the reminder to put first things first, even if the house is a mess.
(Carson’s picture is adorable!)
I am having to remind myself of that truth this morning! Long night and the house is a bit of a wreck 🙂
It’s so easy to see “Bible-time” as another thing on your “to-do” list. But the times I’ve really been prayerful, my day turned out so much better. Thanks for the reminder.