At Home: to move quietly

I admit, there are times when I do not have a good attitude. When the things that need to be done are done with grumbling and frustration. While I can look around my home and find joy, there are also times when it all feels too much and I wish someone else could cook dinner for me!

Something I want to learn more this year is to have a contentment through all the ups and downs… to move through tasks with patience. For the work of my hands to be done out of love. To take care, to be gentle. These tasks, no matter how small or simple, are important. They matter a great deal. And our thoughts while we accomplish them matter.

When a task must be done every week, that is a lot of time spent in annoyance, spent complaining, spent hating the responsibilities God has given me.

I long to move through life with gentleness… to quietly get on with things… to be tender and caring in all I do… I believe there is great reward when we begin to act out of contentment rather than bitterness. I believe it can transform our homes and the people around us. To be a positive influence is a great responsibility and one that is necessary.

How many workplaces are overtaken by gossip and complaints? They become toxic to be in. The atmosphere is heavy, the work is not done with pride. People are not cared for.

I often pray for there to be joy in my workplace. For there to be peace. While there is a time and a place to resolve tensions and discuss things appropriately, gossip should never be on the agenda. Complaining does not help a situation.

I have found myself at the centre of gossip numerous times – it is an uncomfortable feeling. In the past, gossip was partly why I left a job and social circle. At my current job, which I feel called to be in long-term, I try to stay out of the drama. I try to move quietly through my tasks – though of course at times it is difficult. I’m learning! Let’s see how we go…

Sarah xx