Chipping away at the gotta do's

She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.
Proverbs 31:27
New Living Translation

I have been working today at what I call "housework by chipping away". One thing I'm learning about living with chronic illness is that housework done a little at a time (but on a consistent basis) will end up getting finished as well (but not as fast) as being able to do a lot at once. It's just that consistency that needs to be sought out. Some days I do fine, others I give into my body telling me it wants to stop so I do. Not a good thing. If I just keep going, I feel better and the house works better.

I have had a lot of groceries sitting in my garage, ready to be placed on shelves (I have a small kitchen so my husband put up shelves in the garage for my "pantry") since Friday. Fortunately, we haven't had any mice in the garage so far this season. I have to put everything that a mouse can chew on (and make entrance into) in Rubbermaid containers to keep them safe. Otherwise, the garage makes a good pantry. Letting the groceries sit in their bags on the garage floor is just asking for little visitors, especially as it gets colder outside.

I finally took the time this afternoon to put everything away and while there, to straighten some other shelves that I use to store kitchen items. I already had Rubbermaid containers that I used to use for craft items, which make perfect homes for groceries now. Of course, canned items can be left just as they are. Just spending that hour working on organizing the "pantry" and the other shelves made a huge difference in the way the garage looks. Not to mention making it easier when I needed to find something.

While doing this, I had the washer and dryer going and I quickly washed out one toilet that needed "freshening". I am too tired to put the laundry away but I can fold it and put it away in the morning when I have more energy. I also hope to do some baking in the morning and get one more organizing/cleaning project finished.

My personality type has to fight against lethargy and illness doesn't help, any. However, have you ever done a Bible study on laziness (or slothfulness). It has the same affect as a study on the mouth (and too many words). Ouch...

I will continue each day doing all I can do. It is not nearly as much as I once could accomplish but I believe God looks at what we do with what we are given. He doesn't ask us for perfection but He does ask that we do something. We are even blessed as we have the faith the size of a mustard seed. So...I figure He is pleased when I complete a number of small things each day which turn into one large accomplishment...a pleasant home to live in.