By Kim Doebler
“May I bake brownies?” asks my eleven year old.
This is a task she is capable of, so even though I am about to go work in the garden I agree to let her bake. There is one stipulation and challenge given to go with her desert making:
“I don’t want to be able to tell you were in the kitchen when I come back.”
Those words have been our way of measuring if the kitchen is cleaned up when finished fixing a dish.
Orderliness in our home involves two things:
- caring for my personal possessions
- grooming
Personal possessions expand to the complete house and whole yard. We each have our daily responsibilities, along with the general understanding that we are not to leave disaster wherever we go. Although daily chores can cover a lot of orderliness issues, there is one more important factor.
The attitude of “that is not my job” must be banished!
Training through the repetition of saying, “We are all vital to the smooth running of our home” can be the start of a team work outlook. Encouraging children to “look for ways to help others” will also stir a servant’s heart. Matthew clearly states this is a key element toward greatness. In chapter 20, verse 26, Jesus says to His disciples and also to us, …”Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
There are many facets of orderliness; yet, ridding our homes of entitlement and a fairness attitude will make all levels of orderliness run smoother. As with any character training, our child’s heart must be our goal. Never neglect praying for even the simplest of issues. If junior struggles keeping his room clean, practice with him what is expected and pray for him. Words of encouragement must also be abundant.
Everyone flourishes better under the fertilizer of praise than the trampling of criticism.
About Kim Doebler
