This summer we have instituted a new chores chart in our home. My boys earn "technology" time by completing various activities throughout the morning. They can choose from a variety of jobs such as vacuuming the living room or collecting the household trash in exchange for minutes of play. They also have to complete time investing in creative activities or outside fun before picking up the Nintendo.
Although it wasn't my initial purpose, this system has been extremely helpful for me! Even small jobs done by my nine year old, relieve the pressure of running a busy home. Sharing the load of work, has allowed me to take a breather every now and then.
While I am currently a stay-at-home mom to three young children, the jobs I have to complete in a typical week are very surprisingly similar to a big city attorney or third-world shepherd. We all have food to cook and clothes to wash. We are slaves to the cycle of household work that has no end. The monotony of it can be a heavy burden to bear.
That's why I was so grateful to read the brand new book by Courtney Reissig, entitled Glory in the Ordinary: Why Your Work in the Home Matters to God. She addresses two misunderstandings about work: it is only valuable when it is rewarded with payment and it is only valuable when it is great or successful. I love how she sums up a feeling that most of us have experienced:
We are living in a time when being ordinary is the worst thing that can happen to a person, and nothing screams ordinary like at-home work.
I know I can relate! She develops a critical point throughout the beginning of the book which lays a foundation for the rest of the chapters. Our work is rooted in our role as image bearers of God. Creating order from disorder not only reflects our Creator but brings glory to Him no matter how small the job may be.
Courtney touches on some very important topics relating to work including rest, the idol of work, and the calling in our work. She emphasizes that our work here in this world is training for the jobs we will have in the new and perfect Earth that is to come when Jesus returns.
The book is a perfect length - long enough for thought provoking content, yet short enough for a busy mom to read in between her responsibilities throughout the day. Courtney leaves the reader with hope that there is a deeper purpose in our work. She closes the book with this encouragement,
Your work might be ordinary, but it's filled with glory. Your work might be mundane, but it's taking you somewhere. Your work might be born out of blood, sweat, and tears (literally), but it's producing life in others for people who have eternity in front of them. It's good work. It's meaningful work. And it matters to God.
I highly recommend this book to those struggling with the never-ending cycle of work that is required of you each day. If you feel swamped and dismayed at the jobs that never seem complete, this book is for you. I was refreshed after reading Courtney's words and now have a renewed perspective of the importance of the work I am called to do in my home.
You can purchase your own copy at Amazon.