For the Joy of Home-Keeping

Hey everyone!  What a glorious week this has been so far!  I'm feeling stronger by the day, needing fewer afternoon naps (although I do hate to give those up...heehee), and thoroughly enjoying home-keeping.  During the past few months, when I was too exhausted & weak to do much of anything, my heart ached for the simple pleasures of tending our home.  What does home keeping mean to you?  To me it's all of the things, big and small that give life to our home.  While cleaning the toilet might not rank right up there as a joyous chore, it has to be done so our families stay healthy.....that's the joy. The Man did a wonderful job of taking care of all the basics, and it gave him a renewed respect for all of the things that go into making our home run smoothly.  I don't think he ever realized what I did behind the scenes that he just took for granted, but I'm sure I would be in the same situation if I had to take on his responsibilities.  That's why we should always be mindful, grateful, and hand out sincere "Thank you's" for even the smallest of tasks....there is much joy and love in being grateful.

Have I always found joy in home-keeping?  Absolutely not, but I have always taken pride in having a clean & inviting home where good food was cooked and served daily; but terms such as "housework" & "chores," didn't really evoke much pleasure of any kind.  It wasn't until I heard the term "Home Keeping," that I found new respect and joy in the things I did to care for our family and our home.  It's amazing how a few simple words can so greatly affect us.

Our home is not big by today's standards, but certainly more than adequate for us.  It's not grandiose or filled with high-end fixtures and expensive trappings.  It is filled with love and memories, things that remind us of special occasions or vacations, and mementos of special people who are no longer with us.  It doesn't really matter what your decor is or whether you spend a lot or a little to dress your home, it's the love of tending our homes that brings joy.

Puttering or tweaking, whichever term you use, is a major part of home keeping....in my humble opinion anyway!  Puttering (my word of choice) is sheer pleasure to me.  Sometimes puttering involves a lot work, like rearranging & styling bookshelves, or it can be the simple act of pulling things from my "stash" to create a new floral arrangement.  It still evokes a wonderful feeling of bringing joy and love into my home.  Puttering is high on my priority list for home keeping!

How do you feel about home keeping?  Is it a list of "chores" that have to be done, obligations that cause you stress or even anger because you are the one doing them?  I've been there and understand the overwhelming feeling of not being able to get it all done, and wondering if there was ever going to be time for "me."  It's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to give yourself a break....spend a little time puttering or tweaking!  Maybe then you will find joy in home keeping.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and I always appreciate your sweet comments.  If you have a "NoReply" email, it will probably take me longer to respond.  I hope the remainder of your week is wonderful.

I often party with these lovely bloggers:

Monday
Dee at Meatloaf and Melodrama for Merry Monday

Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday
Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home

Tuesday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life  for Inspire Me Tuesday

Wednesday

Suzy at Worthing Court for The Scoop

Thursday
Jemma at  At Home With Jemma for Thoughts of Home on Thursday

Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home