This journey has taught me that I must redefine success. Oh, I don’t mean the Bible’s definition of success, Joshua 1:8, but of in daily task success.

What do I mean?

Setting the stage: Last week, I was down with three infections. It has been a good while since I have had infections; I forgot how much it wipes one out. By the week’s end, here is what the kitchen looked like AFTER having done about twice this many dishes BEFORE these pictures were taken. Remember that I live alone and I batch cook.

The rest of my house was in desperate need of cleaning.

Those pictures are embarrassing. I ended up having to ask for assistance in getting the cleaning done as it was either the cooking or the cleaning. Since I had just lost all my pre-made meals in the storm a couple weeks ago, making food was priority. Cleaning was also priority due to my severe allergies.

This week, on top of a very stressful work week, I have had five medical appointments or errands. FIVE. I am still regaining strength from the infections. Oh my goodness. So… I was feeling ashamed of my inability to keep up with things.

As I was pondering it, I realized something. Is God disappointed in me? Is God ashamed of me? Have I worked to serve Him in each moment and accomplished the needed priorities this week? Does God look at my sink, knowing my weaknesses, knowing my illness and my schedule, and say, “Oh no… she has dishes in her sink.”

Psalm 103:14, “¹⁴ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”

And… what does He want?

Micah 6:8, “⁸ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

What matters? Doing whatever we do as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:23, “²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Does my home look as clean as others or even as weeks when I am strong? Nope.

2 Corinthians 10:12, “¹² For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

I must not compare myself to others or to “strong me.” There will be times when our homes look neat and clean. There will be times when our best effort at keeping up with things looks like a mess. What is impotant? Do it heartily as unto the Lord. This week, doing it heartily was taking one stress at a time at work, one appointment at a time, one nap at a time, and so on. I couldn’t do any extra this week. But, God knew that! He knows.

God turned my ashamed thinking around this week. My house is not nearly as important as my heart. He still loves me. He knows and understands my weakness. My definition of successful in my home needs to change. Am I doing what God wants? Am I doing all to His glory? That is what is most important. God looks on the heart!

I hope this tip helps you!