The Privileged Life: Housecleaning

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Yesterday, I had the privilege of cleaning someone else’s “barn.” It was actually a very nice retreat lodge where I enjoyed writing and interacting with other Christian women. But, we needed to clean the place when we were finished.

So I took the job of wrestling a “Jaws” vacuum cleaner across the rugs and hardwood floor (see the movie Mr. Mom for that reference). And, I worked also on wanting to vacuum…not to impress others but for the sake of doing a good job. For Jesus. I could hear my comrades singing beautiful praise songs as they cleaned, too!

Cultivating thankfulness in housework is unexpectedly productive…it makes the job go faster, with much less distress. Little jobs become a ritual of praise, prayer, and practicing the presence of God. (And that reference comes from The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence from the 1600s, a nifty little book you can find for free at https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5657.)

Before beginning a task you consider drudgery, stop and give thanks if you enjoy the privilege of having limbs that operate properly. Before you stoop over a bathtub or shower drain, be thankful for a good back. Before grabbing the dustcloth, thank God for eyesight to see the dust in the first place!

I’ll try practicing what I preach here in a few minutes as I tackle our own bathroom…using housecleaning time to sing praises as I scrub away grunge!

Thank You, O Father, for what You give us through housework—the opportunity to bless others who inhabit our homes, along with a moment to serve You in the process. Bring our minds and hearts in alignment with Jesus Christ, who did not consider it robbery to make Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, even though He was equal to You. Give us great joy in these unheralded accomplishments! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years. She’s also an adventure enthusiast who loves snow-skiing, making biscotti, taking photos, digging into fascinating stories from the past, and sharing a good laugh. Nancy is serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ—striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. She is author of the novel To Love a Falcon and devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. To follow Nancy’s devotions and news, go to http://nancycwilliams.com and subscribe.