Homemaking Is Hard, But You Can Enjoy It as a Blessing

Homemaking takes a great deal of work. Sometimes we may start to think “there’s so much I have to do, it’s too difficult.”

But what could happen if we changed our mindset from: I have to. To: I get to?

Today we’ll talk about how to enjoy homemaking as a blessing.

Set Your Intention

As is well known our actions are based on intention.

It has been prescribed for us to dedicate our lives and actions earnestly for the sake of Allah.

So when we’re doing piles of laundry, cleaning dishes and tending to our children day in and day out, we must remember why. What is my intention? What is the reason for doing what I do everyday?

When we do our jobs wholeheartedly for our Lord, they stop feeling so mundane. Because we recognise them as more than just a set of chores, it is worship.

Shift Your Perspective

It can be easy to get caught up in labouring through tasks. As a result, we (unintentionally) begin treating our blessings as burdens.

You see, although we’re not verbalising this, it can be expressed in other ways — a sigh of discontentment, look of disappointment, or even a feeling of resentment towards being given this role.

You Can Choose to See It as a Burden

Feeling discouraged because there’s no end to your daily chores. The dishes keep piling up, laundry doesn’t seem to stop and your to do list appears a mile long.

Thinking of homemaking as repetitive and unrewarding will only increase our exhaustion.

Or Recognise It as a Blessing

You have a sink full of dirty dishes because your Lord blessed you with food, hands to cook it and loved ones to feed. A home in which you can tuck your kids in safely at night, and a comfortable bed for resting your body at the end of a long day.

Show Gratitude

“When the servant considers all of faith, he will see it returning back in its entirety to patience and gratitude.” Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah), A Principle Concerning Patience & Gratitude.

This book is one that should be read again and again; because we’re all in need of frequent reminders.

We’re surrounded by Allah’s blessings. And living in countless answered prayers. It’s incumbent upon us to openly express gratitude for them; whilst having a heart that remembers Allah much, and nurturing our children upon that. Speak with them daily about the favours of Allah.

“Alhamdulillah, Allah has blessed us with strong bodies, delicious food and a home to play in.”

Reflect

When things are feeling almost unmanageable, perhaps we’re being tested with a hardship our hands have earned.

“Allah will not change the [good] condition of a people as long as they do not change their state [of goodness] themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah).” (Surah Ra’d 13:11)

It’s imperative for us to reflect on where we’re falling short and what we should be doing better.

We must rectify our hearts and turn back to Allah.

Have a Positive Attitude

Reflection is essential but do not fall into despair. You may walk away from a tough day and think you completely failed. But a bad day doesn’t make you a failure. We are not free from faults; and the believer is optimistic.

Focus on what you did do, rather than dwelling on the things you couldn’t achieve. The house isn’t spotless today, but you spent your time giving much needed cuddles and speaking kind words. These seemingly small acts may be remembered fondly for years to come.

Have Systems for Your Home

There are ways to be a better homemaker. And even essentials you can have to make homemaking easier. But ultimately every home is unique. Part of being a homemaker is figuring out what works best for your family, so you can then do the next right thing.

What I mean by the next “right thing” is the most important thing to do right now. What does that look like for you? Is it more important to clean the bathroom now or prep dinner? Do the laundry or vacuum the floors? Homeschool or play outside?

Enjoy the Ordinary

Homemaking is so much more than just having a clean and organised home. Of course this is an important aspect, but on a deeper level you are making the home a place of solace for your family. Being the welcoming arms for your children to run to.

I want to encourage mothers to enjoy a peaceful motherhood and build a beautiful childhood for their children. Because it’s fleeting, the years really do pass by so quickly.

If you found this inspiring please leave a message in the comments, I’d love to hear from you.