The Battle With Laziness

Every day since I became a stay-at-home mom, there has been a battle fought in an ongoing war. It is taken very lightly when I’m not looking at it for what it really is- a war over my purpose.

I have spent the last four years changing diapers, growing people inside my own body, wiping snotty noses, cooking meals, washing endless amounts of onesies and dishes, and teaching Scripture, manners, and how to go potty in the right place. This- raising my children and being at home with them- is my purpose. Through all of this, I have become very acquainted with an enemy that lives, unfortunately, in me- laziness.

Laziness has been the reason for many days spent outside the will of God. Of course, one of the perks of being a stay-at-home mom is having the freedom to spend a day in your jammies, cuddled up with your kids and loads of Disney movies and snacks. The problem arrives when this becomes a habit- a regular thing. Or worse, when it’s you watching TV in your jammies while your children are told to go play. Purposeful days are replaced with pointless ones all too easily. This, I think, is the easiest way Satan gets into our homes and our motherhood, and how dare he?

But he does, and he will continue to do so unless we call it what it is and put an end to it. I have tried to do this via my willpower, and let me just tell you right now I have failed a thousand times. So, what’s a stay-at-home mom in a rut supposed to do? Call on the One who gave you your purpose in the first place. Confess your sin of laziness and call for His help!

I struggle off and on with a lazy spirit, and I have talked to God about it a lot. He has strengthened me spiritually but also led me to some practical ideas. Here are some things that have helped me push through and do what I need to do for the day.

The Battle With Laziness:

Telling my husband. Brian and I have weekly meetings to stay on the same page (he works very long hours), and when I am struggling with laziness more than usual, I tell him. Knowing that he knows and will hold me accountable is huge.

Getting inspired. Mentioning Pinterest here may seem like a double standard, because I think we can all admit that Pinterest can be dangerous to productivity. But if I can set an alarm for five or ten minutes, and peruse Pinterest for some clean house inspiration, it really helps! Many times, I’ll see a DIY project on there that I’d like to try, but then think, well I can’t paint the cabinets until they’re cleaned out and organized . . .  then I go and do it. And then I’m on a roll and the laziness problem is solved for the day.

Having a goal to work toward. If there is a child’s birthday party coming up, or some sort of event that’s going to take place in my home, I am cleaning and preparing for it long before it happens. I sometimes use this in between birthday parties to give myself motivation to clean. I will schedule a play date with some friends at my house, or invite a girlfriend over for coffee during nap time. It gives me a set time by which I need to be showered and dressed with a clean house. Works every time.

Staying busy. I have found that when I’m busy- play dates, taking my kids to the park, staying on top of errands, scheduling lunch dates with daddy while he’s at work, etc- I am more on top of my house. Being too busy leads to the opposite, but just having something on my schedule every day keeps me out of my sweat pants and moving all day long. I tend to keep my house picked up and be on a schedule during busier days.

Staying focused. When I choose to place my attention on God and His purpose for my days by spending time with Him in the morning, I am more driven. I am focused and sustained by His presence. My house is cleaner and my attitude is better. He always meets me where I’m at and provides me with what I need to thrive each day.

If you feel that daily battle again laziness, take your heart to the Lord and confess. Ask Him to help lead you into a pattern of productivity and purposeful living. Don’t let the enemy blind you and lure you away from serving your family.

Be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.

Ephesians 6:5-7