Embracing Imperfect Homemaking
Some days my house smells like lemon and coffee… and occasionally we have other days where it smells like “something died in the trash can.” Homemaking really keeps you humble.
When I first became a stay-at-home mom, I thought homemaking meant having a spotless kitchen, freshly baked bread cooling on the counter, and children who never argued. (Cue laugh track.) Turns out, some days are peaceful, and others feel like a circus run by tiny emotional dictators.
But here’s what I’ve learned: homemaking isn’t about keeping everything perfect. It’s about creating a place that feels like peace…even when it looks like chaos. It’s the little things that matter most: the smell of dinner cooking, the sound of laughter, the quiet moment you sneak your coffee before someone yells “MOM!” again.
It’s not about “doing it all.” It’s about showing up anyway….hair in a bun, socks that don’t match, and heart full of love.
Homemaking Is an Act of Service (Not A Serving Job)
There’s a big difference between serving your family and feeling like their unpaid maid. The goal isn’t to be perfect…it’s to be present.
We make meals, clean the messes, and do the 400th load of laundry, not because we enjoy folding fitted sheets (no one does), but because it’s how we love. Every meal cooked, every clean towel, every floor swept says: “You matter. You’re safe. You’re home.”
And yes, sometimes the “service” is ordering pizza because no one’s emotionally stable enough to deal with dishes. That counts too.
Homemaking Is Creating Peace (Even in the Chaos)
There’s something magical about small homemaking rituals. Lighting a candle, opening the blinds, starting a load of laundry before coffee…it all adds rhythm to the noise.
For me, peace starts with a clean countertop and my homemade lemon vinegar cleaner. It smells like “I’ve got my life together,” even if I don’t.
It’s easy to think peace only happens when everything is done…but honestly, peace happens when we give ourselves permission to pause. Even if the pause lasts 90 seconds before the toddler dumps out a box of cereal.
Homemaking Is Practicing Gratitude
When I look around my house, I could see crumbs on the floor, toys everywhere, and laundry that’s definitely been in the dryer too long. Or, I can choose to see signs of life.
Dishes mean family meals. Toys mean imagination. The laundry mountain means…well, maybe we just own too many clothes. But still. Gratitude shifts how we see it all.
When we start looking for blessings instead of burdens, everything feels lighter. (Even if the laundry basket doesn’t.)
Simple Ways to Create Calm
Homemaking will always look different every day. Some days you’ll feel like Martha Stewart, and other days you’ll be Googling “how to get slime out of carpet.” Both count.
If you’re craving a little more calm, start small. Light a candle, crack a window, or grab that homemade lemon vinegar cleaner and give your counters a quick wipe. You’d be surprised how good it feels to bring a little order to the chaos.
Remember….peace isn’t found in the perfect home. It’s created in the small moments, one messy, love-filled day at a time.
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