Do you find it easier to be persistent at some things and not others? I sure do. It’s easy to put labels on things that we call important and things unimportant. Those things we deem not as important often get put on a back burner and sometimes never get done. At least that’s how it is for me.
It’s not always that I think those things don’t matter, but sometimes it seems an overwhelming task, a mountain that is unclimbable. So I give up before I even start or maybe I’ll do a little and then call it quits. What’s on my mind now is the clutter in and around my house. Most of it is unsightly, so no pictures.
Though one place that needs attention is my desk. I guess I really don’t call it clutter, since it holds my art supplies, art journals, etc. But it does look messy. I can show you a picture of that, because I know I will enjoy clearing and fixing it up. and when it’s done I’ll be sure to post another picture.
Seriously, though, it’s hard to be persistent when the clutter piles seem to be growing rather than receding. Perhaps I need to rethink how I approach it. I need to remind myself that it didn’t get here overnight, and it may take more time than I’d like to get rid of it.
Sometimes other pressing needs creep in and the clutter is temporarily forgotten about. The trouble is when that happens, it’s harder to get up the motivation to begin tackling it again.
So how do I get my motivation back?
PERSISTENT: NEVER GIVE UP
One of the ways to help in getting motivated is to think of how nice things will look when the clutter is finally taken care of. But that might not last long, because the overwhelmed feeling always comes back again. I can make plans and jump right in to start and then run out of steam pretty quickly. But maybe I’m being too hard on myself, expecting things to happen quickly.
Maybe I should not worry so much about it being done by a certain time, but start slowly, with one area. First, I could make a list of all that needs to be done. Next, I could set them in order of priority. Then I could choose to work for just a few minutes per day to start, and by the end of the week maybe I would see progress.
When there is progress there is always incentive to keep on, to be persistent. But I know interruptions will come, and I will not have a big block of time to do things. That’s when I need to not lose heart, realizing that if I take one step at a time, I will get to the end. The key is not to give up. And that applies to all of life, doesn’t it?
Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 CSB
Clearing out the clutter isn’t just about what I want, but how it affects others. If I make my home a more welcoming place, people will be comfortable when they visit. And I can share the love of Christ as I serve my guests.
HELPS TO KEEP MOTIVATED
Before I start any big project or even before I start my day, it’s a good idea to pray, giving thanks to God for another day. It is a chance to ask for wisdom and strength, to begin the day with a good attitude. In fact, it’s good to pray throughout the day, keeping my focus on God, realizing that my strength comes from Him.
Another way to boost my motivation is to spend time outside. Today I walked down the long driveway to the mailbox, then walked back up the steep hill. But while I was out, feeling the breeze, the warmth of the sun, breathing in the fresh air – it all gave me a sense of calm.
It was so refreshing to be outside on such a nice day. I was reminded of the importance of pausing throughout the day to step out, take a deep breath and relax before getting back to work. And when I am more relaxed, the work goes much smoother and I don’t get as tense. I won’t worry about pushing myself, but take my time to do my best and keep plodding along.
And I remember another scripture which reminds me why no job is too menial. Every task is needful, even if some are not as desirable as others. In each one I should do my best with a thankful heart.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 CSB
This is Day 24 of the #Write28days challenge. The prompt word is persistent. Links to my other posts in this challenge can be found on my landing page.
Oh, clutter is a tough one! It drags us down without us even realizing it. Best of luck as you persistently tackle the clutter to make room for hospitality, calm, and a sense of accomplishment!
Yes, it sure is tough! It really does drag me down…. Thank you for your encouragement, Anita! I’m going to try to persistently tackle it, and maybe it will get easier. I hope so. Blessings to you! xo
Messy? No. Productive and Creative? YES!
Susan, I love your perspective! Thank you for your encouragement, too. Blessings and love to you, dear friend. xoxo
Oh, Gayl, I loved seeing these different perspectives of your home on the side of the mountain! Truly, it is so important to take those moments to pause in the midst of our days. God does want to help us as we offer our times to Him. I loved this thought: “And I remember another scripture which reminds me why no job is too menial. Every task is needful, even if some are not as desirable as others. In each one I should do my best with a thankful heart.” We are offering every moment to Him when we can pause and see with those eyes. Thank you for your encouragement that I needed in these spinning days set before me now. Blessings and love to you dear friend!
Dear Bettie, I thank you so much for your encouragement to me. I love how you connect our offering the moments to Him when we pause and remember that all are important. You and Barry are in my prayers with all the medical issues you are facing right now. May God give you peace and comfort, healing and wisdom for you and the doctors. Much love to you with hugs and many blessings, dear friend! xoxo
My mailbox gets filled up in no time, so I missed this earlier.
Talk about clutter! I’ve been trying to sort out clutter for months. Other things get in the way. My arthritic hands and legs won’t obey the way I want them to.
Yet, in it all, there have been a few brighter days. Some papers are now in the right boxes. I’m finding long-forgotten texts that I can edit and use for new projects. I am basically a clutter-person. I can work quite happily on a project that needs to be done, in spite of the mess around me.
So stay calm. Sometimes “clutter” in someone else’s home, makes me feel at home. The Perfect Tidy House makes me feel out of place. I sometimes can feel that my presence clutters up that perfection.
So, don’t worry too much. Sharing your heart and your love with others means more than anything else.
Lisa, thank you so much for your encouragement! Yes, the important thing is sharing my heart and love with others. I will try to be calm about the clutter and take it a step at a time. It doesn’t really help to worry about it anyway. I just have to take my time. Blessings and love and hugs to you, dear friend! xoxo