As The Deer

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." (Psalm 42:1)  There was nowhere more fitting for that realization than our vacation high in the Laurentian mountains. Clouds hung low like smoke spiraling up from rich-green mountain forests. An early morning chill made me shiver as I read the Word, sipped my earl grey and gazed at this new scenery. We hadn't ever stayed at such an elevation and it brought me to worship over and over throughout the week. A regal buck or a gentle doe might be spotted grazing near our walking path or on the way to the pool--us, immersed in creation like we'd never experienced before. And that sweet, thin, little one who visited a couple of times... my soul giving praise for her beauty and the gift I was given to be so close. 

Day Fourteen: Work, As A Natural Part Of Your Day

My husband tosses chopped wood into the tractor bucket like they're twigs and my children imitate him. They form a line in our garage and he shows them again how to relay the precious fuel for our fireplace so he can stack it. As they pass it from one to the other, they begin to gripe and complain. I come out to help and I'm tired of the whining within one minute. My husband just looks at me with wide eyes and assures me he's already been dealing with this for some time. I join the line and the two of us adults speed things up and demonstrate how quickly, efficiently and quietly this job should be done. After awhile, somehow anger melts into giggles and we become a well-oiled machine and pack that wall to overflowing. 

The work around our home is never done. With six of us always present, there are dirty dishes, piles of laundry, filthy bathrooms and shoes strewn across the back hallway. Both my husband and I were required to do chores when we were young. I had a working mom and was left a long list of what needed to be done when I got home from school. We both see the benefit of work for our children. It creates responsibility, accountability, stewardship and keeps our home running smoothly. Did I say smoothly? If the above scenario happened daily, which it does, one would assume it's less than desirable to train children to work. You're exactly right! Sometimes we'd rather just do the job ourselves and save the effort and whining in our ears. But, as I mentioned in my post about reminding them how far they've come, their ability to work and attitude toward it will improve. I believe they'll even desire it, if they're trained well. Our goal is that work would become a natural part of their day and we will no longer have to consistently remind them of what hasn't been accomplished.
 

Each of our children completes chores from his/her chore cans every morning before school time. You can view my post on this here. Every few weeks, someone becomes tired of their job and we switch things around a little, but everyone knows what is expected of them. I began the training of chores when the kids were very small. Even two year olds can pass plastic dishes up to Mommy as she puts them away. Before you know it, they're standing nearly as tall as you and washing pots and pans in the sink!

Work becomes a joy and desire eventually.

 

My husband is so much better than I am when the children are dawdling with their chores. I tell him that they have been trained to know just what to do--with demos! But he always reminds me to inspect their work and see it through. He also gets right in there and works with the kids until completion. To be honest, there are days when I'd like to stay in bed and have my children to bring me tea while I read a good book. Work isn't my greatest desire as soon as I open my eyes so I have to understand when they have lazy days. I have to force myself at times, to be an example and get my work done alongside of them. It bolsters their energy as well as reminds them we all have a position in keeping our home running well. 

 

Praise is a huge motivator in our home. I have read much concerning praise in relation to chores. In their book, A Love That Multiplies, the Duggar parents, attempt to give ten praises for every correction. Since encouragement doesn't roll off my tongue as easily as correction, I must make every effort to seek out times when my children are working hard or simply being fun-loving, silly kiddos, not causing trouble. As long as they know that my approval of them is stronger than my momentary disapproval of their wrong actions, they'll feel loved in the middle of it all and, I suspect, more work will get done.

Praise Drawing

We make ourselves quiet and listen closely to the words of the praise music.

God whispers pictures to us of His love. That's how we just know what to draw.

It's not just a regular art time.

We want to know Him and the Scripture in the songs inspires us to draw who He is or who we are in Him.

How precious are Your thoughts unto me, O God. (Psalm 139:17a)

Day Twenty-One (of 31 Days)

Last night I purged my heart to a dear friend and mentor and she encouraged me to soak myself in worship and listening to God's voice. I was to wrap myself in a blanket and lie down (after the kids were in bed) and be still. She told me to play some praise and worship and to just listen. She knew I needed this.

Well, I couldn't wait until the munchkins were asleep so I could draw close in the way she suggested. I played http://www.allworship.com/ on my computer and laid on the couch, covered in a warm blanket. I was determined to have this time with the Lord to wash away the day and all it's yuckiness. In the first few minutes I was crying; the words of the worship music were powerful and effective because they were full of Scripture. A little while later, I fell into a peaceful sleep and awoke to worshiping some more. My on-going list I had been rehearsing all day, began to fade and slowly I became more restful and relaxed. The Lord was reminding me of His importance and His rightful place in my priorities.

Won't you take some time out to drench yourself in worship and in listening to His voice? Perhaps even tonight, if you are able. You won't regret it.