Weary

So, I've been thinking a lot this afternoon and decided it was time to blog again.  At this moment, my dishwasher is running, my washer and dryer are both running and a Stouffer's lasagna is baking in the oven.  I woke up this morning and got 3 kids up and off to school.  Then I drove myself to work for 5 hours.  Then I dreaded coming home because I knew the state of my home and all the work that awaited me.  If you know me, you know I like to "relax" when I get home.  Basically, I like to rest, read, put my feet up and do nothing.  But when you are a wife, a mom, and a homeowner, that is not possible every day.  I feel guilty for feeling this way because I am so blessed and so privileged in SO many ways.  I was a stay home mommy for approximately 10 years.  I am always home when my kids are home.  I have the summers off, Christmas vacation and Spring Break.  I never have to miss a moment with my kids, because of my job.  My job rocks.  Awesome and adorable pre-schoolers and wonderful, godly friends to work with.  But my life still kicks my butt.  I DID NOT want to come home and load up the dishwasher and wash an enormous load of dirty underwear and socks or fix dinner.  But I have been reminded lately, on more than one occasion, that the "work" we do in life is not for us or anyone else, really, it's done unto the Lord.  The Bible says to do everything with your whole heart, as if you are doing it for God.  That's kind of huge!  My pastor spoke this week on making changes in your life and having a plan and following through with it.  I was reminded of the quote "Never give up!"  My body is tired today....I wanted to come home and give up.  But I have a husband who goes to work every day for 9 hours and works hard, even when he doesn't want to, so that he can support his family.  He is faithful and wonderful.  He's so good to me and is a sweet and loving Daddy.  I can't give up on my duties, if he can't give up on his.  I am wanting to be more encouraging to him, by not neglecting my jobs, here at the house.  And it never ends....the kids have homework, school projects, sports, Awana, baths to be reminded of (ha!) and bedtime.  The stack of papers on my dining room table never goes away, no matter how often I am throwing things away.  Doctors appointments, birthday parties to attend, playdates....life is SO busy.  My dear friend Sarah shared something really cool with me the other day at work.  (Gosh, I have great co-workers!)  When we are tired, or frustrated with a person or a task, we are to look over that person or beyond that task and see Jesus standing there.  That mountain of dirty socks and underwear was ugly, and the pile of dirty dishes was too.  I was exhausted and didn't want to come home at 1:45 then turn around at 3:10 and go back down Main St. in Salem to Luke's middle school to pick him up, but he's 11 and wants me to pick him up and I will protect him as long as I can.  I reminded myself that I am working for Jesus because I love Him.  Don't get me wrong; I adore my husband and kids, but sometimes, when we're tired women, it's not enough to make our chores bearable.  But when I think that Jesus has given me this family and these tasks to take care of, how can I give up?  He sure didn't give up on me.