Grace full mama

I’m pretty sure I have mentioned that I am not great at planning ahead. I have a tendency to just wait till the last minute and then be stressed as can be because I wasn’t prepared. The prayer of my heart is to be a proverbs 31 woman. That, and to have a gentle and quiet spirit. I’m pretty sure I am a long ways off, but it gives me a great goal to work towards! As I pray about being a better planner, and producing better productivity for my work and time, God is giving me a few tips and ideas that I thought I would share with you!

1) A daily time with God is essential. Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 This has to come first! Even if it means getting up a little bit earlier to make it happen. It helps so much to have the right mindset and remember that we are serving our families without resentment. I ask Him to multiply the work of my hands. My whole day is so much more enjoyable when I feel his presence. Reverence for God adds hours to each day Proverbs 10:27a. This is true, mamas!

2) Your physical fitness matters. My mama always told me “If you work twice as fast, you take half as long.” She was right! She modelled for me a lifestyle where physical fitness was given utmost importance, next to her daily times with God. You don’t have to be buff, but a daily walk is good for every part of your body and mind. When we are fit we can work harder, play with our kids longer, we have better confidence, and we are happier. Our productivity is going to be better as our mental health is better!

3) Get a view of the whole day ahead of time. Whether you want to plan your whole week, plan your day first thing in the morning, or plan the night before, plan before you start working. Start supper prep in the morning so it isn’t a rush. Have a plan of everything you need to get done including phone calls and breaks. This eliminates so much stress, and that last minute “What am I going to make for supper” conundrum.

4) I really love having lists, but I forget them, lose them, change them, or add to them so many times that sometimes they drive me crazy. So, in a brainwave moment, I found a to do list app. So far I love it! I can check my items off, add items as I need to, and even receive reminders if I want to! Checking everything off has me feeling very accomplished! I put everything from exercise routine to kid’s lunches and supper prep in there.

5) Have an older, Godly woman to inspire you. I am so lucky to have my mom, along with a few other Godly women who I admire with all my heart. My mom is invaluable, as she has the “looking back I wish I had done (insert mama activity here) differently.” Often I think we look at our moms and think “naaaa you just went soft in your old age.” In reality, this is perspective that is much needed and should be appreciated. Maybe a little softness would serve our purpose better in parenting. Maybe you are spending too much time and energy on something unnecessary. Maybe your mom has some amazing tips on a daily routine that will help immensely. And, maybe she just is still the only one who knows how to get that stain out of your favourite shirt.

6) There are a few adages I have been taught that help to keep the mess from piling up. Leave every room better than you found it. This means when you are in a rush, just grab that empty cup out of the living room. Take the extra five seconds to wipe the sink down when you use the washroom. Tidy as you move about your house to save yourself a bigger job later. I’ll leave it there because I’ll use it later is the enemy of order. You can always get it out again. Put it away for now or you end up with a whole lot of things left around in case you need them, and it becomes a mess. A place for everything and everything in it’s place. My mom managed a very small house when we were growing up, and yet everything had a place. If it has a place, you know where to put it and order is possible. Nothing should ever go somewhere “just for now.” No matter how small your space, organise it so that there is a place for everything, and everything goes in it’s place.