Day 8: WORK

God has called us to do our best and work diligently. Good work ethics can include endurance, efficiency, optimism, promptness, honestly, and integrity. These are all examples of character traits that I would like to build up in my children. Teaching my children to value and appreciate work means I need to be diligent to taking the time to train them now.

Ways I teach my children to value work:

• Taking care of self (getting dressed, personal hygiene, etc.)
• Keeping the home tidy (cleaning up toys, making beds, etc.)
• Helping others
• Working in the garden
• Being an example by staying positive about my own work, instead of complaining   

What could I do to change my own work attitude:

• Work on staying positive, remembering to be grateful instead of being selfish
• Plan ahead - this allows me to not feel as much pressure or stress by getting behind or procrastinating
• Because multitasking is difficult for me, I need to take advantage of slower times in the day when the kids are occupied with other activities and do not require my full attention.

Simple things I can do to incorporate an attitude of gratitude around work:

• Turn work into fun - games, etc.
• Remember what life was like when our family was without work
• Spend time listing and acknowledging everything God has given and entrusted to me and our family

Some things to remember:

• Realize that, often, the blessing is by working hard.
• When working on 'stewardship roles' (chores) do not complain about the messes, rather try to embrace it as an opportunity to be with the kids while helping them learn about good stewardship.
• Include the kids in whatever I am working on - cooking, cleaning, learning, loving.

Finding Joy Blog: Day 8: Work