The character quality we are studying this week is diligence. Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines diligence as the steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken. The Bible verse we are memorizing this week is from Ecclesiastes 9 verse 10.
"Whatever you do, do well.
For when you go to the grave,
there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom."
Diligence as a homemaker has always been a goal of mine, not that I succeed even half the time. I usually make a good start each day, getting up near 6 o'clock. Then I hit the afternoon "wall" around 3 PM. Lessons are done. I've been diligent with the laundry and dishes. I know what I am making for dinner. I am over being diligent. I want a break. There is nothing wrong with wanting a break, until the break eats away at time we could be putting effort into the house or even just going outside to enjoy the sunny day. We are warned that life is short. Wasting one moment seems reckless. It is up to the individual to determine what that means. Wasting time to one, might be resting to another. We are clearly told that there is a time for work and a time to rest as well. My purpose of this post is not to make anyone feel guilty, including myself. It is a matter to consider though. And my conscience says that my afternoon rests are and have been a little indulgent. I am going to make an effort to change this. You have my permission to ask how it is going. :-)
Jenn
Very encouraging post. I agree, that what is rest to one isn't always to another, but you are right on. We need to find out what the Lord wants us to do and be diligent in it. I'll be praying for your afternoon 'wall'. Let us know how it goes. :)
ReplyDeleteJoAnn
Thanks, dearest JoAnn. I wrote this post with your response in mind, actually, because I hear you often saying similar things! And I agree! :-)
ReplyDeleteJenn
Uhhh, Just gotta say...I'm feeling REAL guilty.
ReplyDeleteBut, I'm going to go with the conviction, thank the Lord for speaking to me through your blog post and make the rest of the day a productive one :-)!
Oh and your quote:
"I usually make a good start each day, getting up near 6 o'clock. Then I hit the afternoon "wall" around 3 PM."
Is just sooo me!
I have been thinking a lot on these things too. I do agree, what is rest for someone is not rest for another.
ReplyDeleteAfter 6 hours of doing a lot of work, like teaching,driving, running errands and cleaning, your brain does need a small break from that, just to refocus. So I say after you have 6 hours of mental and physical you do need a break. Let's us know you you come up with.
((hugs))
Katia
I've been thinking about this lately, too. I haven't actually done much about it yet, but I hope to! ;)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm asking. :) How's it going? You've given me things to think about. Thank you for the nudge.
ReplyDelete~Shani