Benefits of a Schedule

"I work for a King. He has put me in charge of his home. When He comes to see how I have managed His possessions and His children, I do not want to be found wanting. I want to do my best. Everything I have is on loan from Him. I have room and board and a job to do, but it is all for Him. Therefore I want to dress my best and do my best in all my work. I also want to be creative, for this is a sincere attempt to glorify Him and His beautiful creation. How I manage my home is a form of worship to Him." --Lydia Sherman

We stick to a pretty regular routine here in the Hensley home and it’s done on purpose! I have tried to arrange my schedule by what works best for my husband and son because it’s really not about me, right? For example, Micah is clingy in the morning and I try remember the familiar reference of a gas tank. His emotional gas tank has to be filled up before he is ready to play alone or obey. My schedule allows us that time in the morning to reconnect and cuddle. And who doesn’t love that?? I could be very frustrated every morning if I planned big tasks for right before breakfast and Micah fussed the whole time. Why do that to myself? The great thing is that you don’t have to (or need to!) follow my schedule. But find what works for your family and stick with it!

Benefits:

1. Less stress: I know what I need to do each day to keep my home clean and comfortable for my family.

2. Family time: Because I’ve scheduled, I’m free to spend time with Justin and Micah and not feel guilty about it! I plan in playtime with Micah and time with Justin.

3. Easy pickup: Our home generally can be company ready in 5-15 minutes unless you come in the middle of my cleaning. Then, well, you can just be happy that I clean! But normally I can just wash the dishes and pick up toys.

4. Focused work: I don’t waste time wondering what I should do first or when I should do it. I can just go do it.

5. Less guilt: I’m not thinking that I should be spending that time with Micah or Justin instead of cleaning or thinking about the housework that needs to be done while spending time with my family. I don’t feel guilty if I take a nap while Micah sleeps. (Honestly, sometimes that’s the best thing I can do for my family.)

Now occasionally if I have extra things to do go get ready for a trip or to have company the next day, I may make a list of tasks. A friend of mine gave me the great idea of keeping a dry-erase board in the kitchen for this. Unfortunately I haven't gotten one yet, but I will! Other than these occasions, I just work off my schedule.

Next week I will talk about my cleaning schedule and how that works for our family!