Thriving As A Homemaker: Why The Art of Discipline Is Important

Jordan

3 hours ago

The art of discipline is something every homemaker may learn. And it is one of the hardest lessons to learn. The art of discipline is what really makes or breaks a great homemaker. Being able to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done despite feelings or not wanting to is one of the most important things a homemaker can do. I know, it doesn’t sound pleasant, and at first it may not be. But the art of discipline can actually make homemaking much more enjoyable and easier in the long run.

Learning discipline is something everyone should honestly learn.

The Art Of Discipline In Homemaking

Homemaking is a career. Not one that gives you a great salary or benefits like insurance. But it is one of the most rewarding jobs you can ever do. It is a blessing to be able to be home and take care of your home and your family. But it is also a challenging job. A very challenging job sometimes. Even more so when you don’t have discipline. Without discipline, things tend to not get done, drag on, get stressful, and chaotic.

The art of discipline is something each homemaker must learn to ensure an orderly home and family. We should all have self-discipline. But when we are home and trying to take on the massive challenge of homemaking, we need to plan our days and stick to those plans or routine as much as we can. That doesn’t mean you cannot be flexible, but it’s imperative in running a smooth home.

What Kind Of Disciplines Should Homemakers Have?

When we thinking of the Biblical homemaker we think of tasks. And yes, tasks are disciplines that we should do everyday. But sometimes there are more things we should be doing than chores.

Spend time reading the Bible and praying.

1. Praying and Opening Your Bible

This is one I struggle with. Prayer, I’m good. Opening the Bible, I definitely need to do it more. But before we start out day we should be praying and reading that Bible. We need to put on the full armor of God each and everyday and praying for our loved ones and home and growing closer to God.

2. Getting Showered and Getting Dressed

It may seem silly to get dressed to clean the house, to cook, to do some errands where you may not even be leaving your car. But your husband and your home are worth getting showered and dressed for. And you know what, you will feel better too once you do these things.

3. Exercise

You need to not only take care of yourself spiritually, but physically too. I’m not saying you have to join a gym. And housework is a good workout. But, you need to move a little more too whether it is stretching, walking, resistance bands. It doesn’t have to be long, just 30 minutes a day. It’ll make you feel better physically and emotionally.

I’ll be honest… I struggle with this one.

4. Make Your Bed

I think Admiral William A. McRaven said it best:

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if you by chance have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.”

Making your bed will give you the push you need to start your day and to keep going. You did 1 thing and now you can do another. And some days that 1 thing itself is the accomplishment.

5. Clean Your Kitchen

Your kitchen should be tidied every time you cook or use it. This will help you have more time to relax at night if you don’t have a sink full of dishes, a spread on the counter, etc. Sure after supper you will still have to clean up, but it won’t be nearly as bad. Plus, if you have an unexpected guest, you won’t have to be embarrassed.

6. Sweep The Floor

This is something my mom taught me. Floors need to be swept everyday. Food, dirt, dust, grass, all of it can make the floor dirty each day. It makes your feet dirty, it doesn’t feel good, doesn’t look good, and the allergies all that ick can bring. It’s good to have a clean floor.

7. Clean Your Bathrooms

Clean bathrooms are another great discipline to have. Each day wipe everything down. It doesn’t have to be a deep clean everyday, but wipe down the toilets, counters, sinks, etc. A clean smelling bathroom can make the world of difference.

8. Declutter

Did you know clutter adds stress? It does. Each day go into each room and give yourself 10-15 minutes to pick up things that don’t belong. Put them all in a basket and then put them where they belong until the basket is empty and then move on to the next room.

9. Take Out The Trash

Overflowing trash is stinky and gross. I know we like to play the game of “can I fit 1 more thing in it.” But it’s better to take it out. No one wants a smelly house. And if your trash can gets icky, spend some time rinsing it out.

It’s okay to relax. Even God rested on the 7th day.

10. Taking Time For Yourself

This is a hard discipline I think homemakers have. We go, go, go and try to do everything. So much so we neglect ourselves each day. Or maybe you don’t have that problem. It’s something I’ve struggled with. Take at least 30 minutes for you to do something you like. To sit outside, to read, to sew, to do something you really enjoy.

Art Of Discipline Honorable Mentions

So, there are other things I think are part of the homemaking “art of discipline” too, but aren’t necessarily something you have to do daily. But these are definitely things that I think that are important in keeping order:

Always having a grocery list prepared.
Have a menu for each week.
Make a weekly cleaning schedule.
Have a calendar to keep up with important dates and appointments.
A homemaking binder is a great way to keep up with all of this.

Procrastination Makes Life Harder

While procrastination may feel good for a short time, in the long run it makes our lives harder and more stressful. You didn’t clean the bathrooms? Company is 20 minutes out. Didn’t do the dishes? Well they’re all dry and crusty. Didn’t move over the laundry? Now it smells like mildew and you have to rewash it.

We have to manage our time wisely and be good stewards with what time is given to us. Discipline is one of the fruits of the Spirit and have to cultivate it and we can only do that when we spend time with God and work hard.

No one is perfect. No one will ever be perfect. Only Jesus is perfect.

The Art of Discipline Is Not Perfection

But also understand that being disciplined doesn’t mean you will be perfect. There will be days where you fall short. And that is okay. You’re human and taking care of a family and home can be challenging. Especially when unforeseen circumstances arise. Be sure to give yourself grace.

But don’t allow those times to destroy your discipline either. It’s so easy to miss 1 things and then keep missing it until we stop doing it and that starts a snowball effect. Trust me, I’ve been there.

How To Build Discipline?

As I said, spending time with God and praying is a must. But being consistent is also key. They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. So why not mark off the days you do something consistently and when you hit that mark treat yourself? It’s a great way to build discipline and rewarding yourself kind of reinforces it.

Homemaking And The Art Of Discipline

Homemaking and discipline go hand in hand. Most people don’t realize it but homemaking is a profession of order and love. Our God is a God of order and love. And without discipline we have chaos. And chaos creates stress. It can be exciting, but also overwhelming and long term it doesn’t benefit anyone. So, grow that fruit of the Spirit and build up your discipline and be the homemaker I know you can be! The one God intended you to be. You got this!