Goodbye, House. Hello, Home! Blog : Willing

Adjective.

Definition: cheerfully consenting; inclined or ready.

Making resolutions for myself to

get more organized,

work out at the YMCA 5 times a week,

attempt to spend more wisely,

treat my family with more kindness,

craft every craft that catches my fancy on Pinterest,

volunteer more,

sew more,

recycle everything,

host more baby showers or Bible studies,

pay more attention to my neighbors in the cul-de-sac,

etc...

only makes me tired.

Then, I don't want to do any of it.

I get tired out, bummed out, stressed out.

Then, I want a TIME OUT.

Then, I ask myself, "is this what homemaking is really all about?"

What if, instead of ME telling myself what I am going to do,

what if, instead of being frustrated by what I think I MUST do,

what if, instead of feeling inconvenienced by what I think are "interruptions",

what if, instead of experiencing exhaustion from my own deadlines,

what if, instead of existing to finish my TO DO list,

I were simply willing.

Willing to want to.

Cheerfully ready.

Inclined when time gives me the opportunity.

Freely consenting to be available.

As I make my home, what if I saw my life as an opportunity?

Not complicated "Leslie willing", but rather simply "God willing".

21 comments:

THE FARMHOUSE PORCHJanuary 16, 2012 at 1:28 PM
I agree. Just do what you feel like doing, but make priorities. There are times I want to be crafting, but my family needs me. In those times I just have to be "cheerfully willing" to do God's will and not my own.
It's hard to balance everything.

Nice post!

♥Linsey
NoelleJanuary 16, 2012 at 1:40 PM
You're amazing Leslie!! I love this!!
JennyJanuary 16, 2012 at 1:45 PM
This spoke right to my heart... totally confirming things that God is showing me lately. Love you, sweet friend! Hope you are well. :)
RichellaJanuary 16, 2012 at 1:45 PM
Well, I think you know how I feel about this word. . . .

I like being twins with you! Kindred spirits! Soul sisters!!

Now I'm going to pin your cool Homemaking graphic. Love that. :)
AnonymousJanuary 16, 2012 at 2:04 PM
Lovely.
Have a beautiful day, you homemaker you. ;)
JeniferJanuary 16, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Awww. I love this ! :)

Jen x
http://kitsch-n-sync.blogspot.com/
Corn in my Coffee-PotJanuary 16, 2012 at 4:42 PM
Love it!
That's the ATTITUDE...I'm talking about!

Pat
SusanJanuary 16, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Hi Leslie...Yes, it's definitely good to be willing. I need to be more willing, too. Thanks for the reminder. Susan
Mrs.CJanuary 16, 2012 at 10:29 PM
I love this! Love!
LoribethJanuary 17, 2012 at 12:40 PM
great word!
AnonymousJanuary 19, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Leslie, you bless me yet again! Your words are encouraging and uplifting as always! It's always such a joy to return to your blog. I get refreshed and recharged to go and make a better world for my family and to glorify the Lord in all that I do. May this year bring His blessings to you and your family in abundance.
Much love,
Golie
AnonymousJanuary 19, 2012 at 10:04 PM
Love this! Your blog is inspiring in EVERY way! So glad I found your space this evening. I need spaces that not only provide inspiration for creating a beautiful home, but my heart and soul CRAVES spaces that nourish the spirit.

Thank you!

~Sandy
Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky)January 20, 2012 at 7:26 PM
Thanks once again for leaving such a kind comment, Leslie! You are so inspiring my sweet friend.
ShellyJanuary 26, 2012 at 2:24 AM
Thank you so much for writing this post. I needed it & I'm glad you shared it with us. I really need to be "cheerfully willing" in so much and thanks again for this post--it really spoke to me & has motivated me to want & to do more as a homemaker in my home.
--Shelly