I used to spend a lot of time complaining about the dishes that never seemed to end, the mess, and the endless to-do list that came with homemaking.
It felt like all those small, ordinary chores were just getting in the way of what I thought real life was supposed to look like.
But over time, I realized those ordinary moments are real life.
I realized that I could experience joy even in the middle of the homemaking chores.
A few verses have encouraged me so much in this season:
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Change Your Thoughts Not Circumstances
Learning to give thanks in all circumstances as the verse in 1 Thessalonians says, resulted in joy.
Instead of wishing for the chores to go away or dreaming of a different home, I remind myself to choose gratefulness right where I’m at.
And that has changed everything for me.
Now, I see my daily tasks not as burdens, but as blessings.
And that simple change has helped me find true joy—right here in the middle of real life.
It wasn’t the circumstances that changed. It was my heart and attitude.
Yes, sometimes you need a better routine or a different cleaning product to make you happier in your situation. But none of that will give you true joy.
Joy is a choice you make to think differently about the circumstances you find yourself in.
Change This Phrase
One thing that really helped me was changing just a few words in my head.
Instead of saying, “I have to cook dinner,” I started saying, “I get to cook dinner.”
I don’t have to fold the laundry—I get to provide clean clothes for the people I love.
That small shift didn’t erase the hard parts, but it reminded me that there’s so much to be grateful for, even in the ordinary.
I used to think joy would show up when everything was easier or quieter or more put together.
But the truth is, I was missing it—because joy can be found in the places we least expect if we choose to look for it.
Beauty in Messes
I also enjoyed a book by Melissa Michaels called Love the Home You Have (my affiliate link).
It helped change my perspective.
She talked about the beautiful messes in our homes. Because behind every mess there is beauty. We just have to change our perspectives.
My sink full of dirty dishes represented a good meal shared with my family.
It meant their tummies were filled. The scattered toys around my living room meant my kids were playing and growing and learning.
I had prayed for years to be a mother when I my husband and I were going through our infertility journey. And now I have visible reminders of my answer to prayer all over my house!
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed or weary today, I hope you’ll remember: Joy isn’t waiting somewhere far away.
It’s already here, tucked inside the small, everyday moments you get to be part if you choose to.
If you’d like to be encouraged even more as a care for your home and family, be sure to sign up for my free homemaking workshop.