Introduction: Many families have their own personal repertoire of short sermons that teach a lesson in a dozen words or less. At our house I like to think of these one-liners as power phrases that stand for powerful principles—in this case principles applicable to keeping our homes clean and comfortable for the happiness and well-being of our family.
This one is a favorite of mine:
- Plan your work and work your plan
A schedule is to your time what a budget is to your money. It goes further. Expressed another way, a schedule is a road for your work to run on. There will be some bumps, stop-overs, even detours along the way, but if you intend to get anywhere, it’s best to follow the road.
Just be sure it is you, not the schedule, that is in control. Flexibility and adaptability are the keys to making it work beneficially for you.
Basically a good daily plan, depending on the number and ages of your children, consists of three parts:
Cornerstone: prayer of gratitude and for guidance and a scripture to set the tone for the day. (I read only a verse or two, I study the scriptures and related material later in the day when I have more time.
Foundation: routine duties, beginning with making the bed. (The state of your head reflects the state of your bed, someone noted.) This also includes exercising, breakfast, showering and dressing, quickly picking up and wiping off throughout your house, basic food preparation.
Structure: It’s when your house is in order that your work really starts such as family responsibilities, checking on email and text messages and responding accordingly, going on to a deeper cleaning, cooking/baking, engaging in various projects
This has worked so well for me over the years. Have you tried this? I’d love to know if these three key pieces have also served you well.
Warmly,
Daryl
PS- If you’d like to see more of my favorite phrases, they can be found in my free guide found here!
PPS- Interested in my latest book? The Art of Aging Joyfully, can be purchased here.
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