Welcome to Day 4 of the Grounded Series!
Yesterday Brooke brought up chores and how they drive her crazy! Today, I’m responding back about this topic.
More Freedom = Greater Responsibility
When I was your age, I used to make excuses to get out of work. We had a big yard, full of oak leaves and my parents needed help raking. I worked for while and then took long breaks inside the house—going to the bathroom and getting a drink of water.
I remember looking out the kitchen window, watching my parents work. I thought I was pretty clever stalling and getting out of parts of the big job.
Looking back, I realize that:
- We should take care of what has been entrusted to our family—like our yard and home.
- If many hands work together, the job gets done faster.
- Family chores help prepare us to work hard and be a team player, both now and in the future.
Chores can be a real drag. They aren’t usually fun and they seem to never end.
But chores are a necessary training ground for your character, future employment, and maybe being a part of your own family someday.
Over ten years ago, I went to a wedding that I will never forget. The pastor asked the bride’s father, “Who gives this woman?”
Before he answered the question, the father said something like this: All of our daughter’s life my wife and I have been preparing her for what was next. We realized from a young age that she was on loan to us from God and that it was our job to raise her in the way she should go and then let her go. Whatever God had for her, we wanted to train her to be a ready for it. God made it clear that marrying this fine young man is the next step for her and we know that she is ready. So “Who gives this woman?” God does, and we approve.
Whatever story God writes for your life, discipline and hard work will be a part of it. Even though chores aren’t very fun and can drive you crazy, they are preparing you for greater responsibility and also more freedom.
As you demonstrate your ability to be trusted, more freedom awaits. As you get older, more is required. It might not all be fun, but it is working into you a good work ethic, that will serve you well, both now and in the future.
Take pride in knowing that you are learning to be a part of a team, and serving God by serving others.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” -Colossians 3:23, NLT
…it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” -1 Corinthians 4:2b, NASB
P.S. Linking up with Kelly Balarie’s Purposeful Faith. Join in the fun by adding your encouraging post on the #RaRaLinkup.
You might also like:
Listen Close, Listen Well: Preparing a Place (by Abby Banfield)
Listen Close, Listen Well: The God Dare (by Kate Battistelli)
Listen Close, Listen Well: God’s Got Answers (by Christy Mobley)
Totally failing in this area. Thanks for the encouragement, Katie.
Amber- There is so much grace to be had. Praying for God to lead you in the next step in this area. Take heart!
So important, Katie! What a neat series for 31 days : )
I remember getting to college and learning from roommates and friends that they had no idea how to take care of themselves because they’d never done chores. Laundry, dishes, etc., are necessary parts of the life God gives each of us! Chores are often just part of taking care of what God gives- and they lead to gratitude. When I’m really not wanting to do a chore I need to, I try to focus on how my responsibility is because of His blessing. Like how every dish needs to be cleaned because of all the food He’s provided!
That’s great perspective, Bethany. I need to work on the thankfulness aspect of chores myself. 😉
Col. 3:23 is one I quote to the kids often, but somehow the “serve” idea got lost in the mix of chores. I appreciate you mentioning it, Katie, because serving is important. It’s putting “self” on the shelf and thinking of others. Wouldn’t it be great if all kids grew up serving well? Imagine what adulthood would be like. Imagine our world… OK, so now I have a bee in my bonnet, and will ensure “serve” is used alongside “chores”. 😉 Wish me loads of Jesus. Visiting via #raralinkup.
Put “self” on the shelf- I love it (well, not when I have to do it, but you know what I mean)!
This is a conversation we have with our son often. Somehow, at 13, mowing the lawn doesn’t feel a whole lot like character building. But he does, because he’s told to and that’s half the battle. I agree – we have to take care of what’s given to us and teaching our kids that, cultivating that work ethic and that attitude of service, is only going to make them stronger – particularly as men. At the very least, maybe he’ll send the grandkids to mow one day! 😉
I’m re-launching my blog today and you’re welcome and invited to come on over and join the celebration. So glad that I visited today from #RaRalinkup.
Hi Tiffany- Your relaunch looks great, congratulations!
Thanks Katie,
Even though I don’t have a tween (though sometimes my 4 year old makes me think he’s been there and done that already) I read the article today. I have been pondering giving my son a regular list of chores instead of just asking him to help now and then. I found this very encouraging and plan to move forward with my plan. I think he will have a hard time at first but in the long run it will be so much easier if implemented now at a young age. 🙂
Hi Rebecca! For sure- if you have a dishwasher, he could unload the silverware (that’s not sharp of course) or bring his laundry to the laundry room, etc. Let me know how it goes as you implement chores with him.