Maybe you're not a lazy homemaker, you just need a plan.

Have you ever found yourself at the end of a day not quite sure what you accomplished? You did lots of little projects but didn't make progress in any of them? Maybe you laid on your couch or scrolled your phone instead of doing anything productive because you were so overwhelmed you didn't even know where to begin.

As homemakers it's easy for an entire day to get away from us. It's easy for us to spend the whole day going from task to task without any clear direction. When this happens, it can make what should be a peaceful home life, feel chaotic. Everyone has times where they lack motivation and are too tired to get things done but when this becomes habit, we are in letting the temptation of the sin of idleness and sloth, take root.

In the vocation of marriage and Christian homemaking, there is profound beauty in this role assigned by God. It is not simply about maintaining a physical space but about creating an atmosphere where love, peace, and grace flourish. Where the gospel is at the heart of everything we do. However, this noble task demands more than just good intentions; it requires deliberate planning guided by godly wisdom. Today, we will explore why planning is not only beneficial but also a biblical principle essential for fulfilling our calling as homemakers.

God's Order and Design

From the very beginning, God has established order and design in His creation. In Genesis 1, we witness His meticulous planning as He intricately formed the world and everything within it. Likewise, as stewards of our homes, we are called to reflect His order and design through intentional planning.

Proverbs 14:8 reminds us, "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." Planning is an expression of wisdom, a deliberate act of considering our actions and their consequences. By planning our homemaking endeavors, we honor God's wisdom and align ourselves with His divine order.

Stewardship of Resources

As Christian homemakers, we are entrusted with various resources, including time, talents, and possessions. Planning allows us to steward these resources effectively, ensuring that they are used to glorify God and bless others.

In Luke 14:28-30 (NIV), Jesus speaks of the importance of planning before undertaking a task: "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, 'This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.'"

Just as a builder plans before constructing a tower, we must carefully consider how we utilize our resources in homemaking. Planning enables us to prioritize our tasks, allocate our time wisely, and avoid wastefulness, ultimately honoring God's provision and faithfulness.

Creating a Haven of Peace

Our homes are meant to be havens of peace, where the love of Christ is evident in every corner. However, achieving this requires intentional effort and planning.

Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV) beautifully illustrates this concept: "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

Planning allows us to create an environment where love, joy, and hospitality abound. Whether it's organizing our schedules, meal planning, or creating a welcoming atmosphere, every aspect of homemaking can be infused with God's wisdom and grace through thoughtful planning.

When laziness takes root and what we can do about it

In homemaking, laziness can often creep in, tempting us to procrastinate on chores, neglect organization, and forego responsibilities. However, with the right approach, laziness can be conquered. The beginning of overcoming laziness is planning. By implementing thoughtful planning techniques, homemakers can not only tackle laziness but also enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall well-being within the household.

Why Laziness Strikes

Before delving into the solution, it's essential to understand why laziness can manifest in homemaking. Busy schedules, overwhelming tasks, and a lack of motivation can all contribute to feelings of lethargy. Additionally, without a clear plan in place, it's easy to succumb to procrastination, leading to a cycle of unfinished tasks and increased stress.

The Role of Planning

Planning serves as a beacon of light amidst the chaos of daily life. It provides structure, clarity, and direction, empowering homemakers to take control of their responsibilities. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps and allocating time for each, planning transforms daunting chores into achievable goals.

Practical Strategies for Planning:

1. Set Clear Goals: Begin by identifying specific objectives for the day, week, or month. Whether it's decluttering a room, meal prepping for the week, or completing house projects, clarity in goals is crucial.

2. Create To-Do Lists: Compile a comprehensive list of tasks, prioritizing them based on urgency and importance. Breaking down tasks into smaller, actionable items not only makes them more manageable but also provides a sense of accomplishment as each item is checked off.

3. Establish Routines: Consistency is key to overcoming laziness. Establishing daily routines for cleaning, cooking, and other household chores helps build momentum and reduces the likelihood of procrastination.

4. Use Time Blocking: Allocate specific time slots for different activities throughout the day. By dedicating uninterrupted periods to tasks, you can maintain focus and productivity, minimizing distractions and maximizing efficiency.

5. Embrace Flexibility: While planning is essential, it's also important to remain flexible. Unexpected events or changes in priorities may arise, requiring adjustments to your plan. Sick kids, family emergencies or other things that are out of your control can come up. Embrace adaptability and approach setbacks with a solution-oriented mindset.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. -Proverbs 16:3

Planning also doesn't have to be fancy with expensive planners, lots of stickers and 100 different colored pens. I use the app Structured for planning my schedule and routines and have found great success in using it.

Benefits of Planning in Homemaking

The benefits of planning extend far beyond overcoming laziness. By implementing structured planning techniques, homemakers can experience:

• Increased Productivity: Planning ensures that time is utilized efficiently, leading to the completion of tasks in a timely manner.

• Reduced Stress: A well-thought-out plan alleviates the burden of uncertainty, reducing stress and promoting peace of mind.

• Improved Time Management: By allocating time effectively, homemakers can strike a balance between their personal and household responsibilities.

• Enhanced Well-Being for you and your family: A tidy, organized living environment fosters a sense of calm and serenity, contributing to overall well-being.
  

In homemaking, planning serves as a powerful tool for combating laziness and achieving greater efficiency and satisfaction in managing household responsibilities. As a Christian homemaker, planning shows wisdom and purpose. By setting clear goals, creating structured routines, and embracing flexibility, homemakers can overcome procrastination and unlock their full potential in creating a nurturing and harmonious home environment. By embracing planning as a biblical principle, we honor God's order, steward our resources faithfully, and create havens of peace within our homes.Remember, with a well-executed plan in place, laziness doesn't stand a chance. Let us, therefore, approach homemaking with intentionality and prayerful consideration, trusting that God will bless our efforts as we seek to glorify Him in all that we do.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” No matter if you work full time, part time, or stay at home, Paul reminds us to use our hands to care for our home and give 100%.

Colossians 3:23

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people.” It is easy to get sucked into the mindset that we want to be served, and fall into having a selfish attitude. We must remember, we are working for the Lord, not for the people.