I always like to start with something personal, so please bear it with me!
Unlike what people often think, I did not grow up in a loving home; it was just a dysfunctional one where we were always fighting every day! My grandparents abandoned my dad and we had no family or friends on our side. At 10, my parents were on the verge of divorce and I went through a kind of depression. Life was pretty messed up and confused, but when I connected with God, I was freed from that pain.
I’ve got friends saying that I’m too obsessed with my belief. I agree that I may hold the doctrine of my belief above my own experiences, but that makes common sense to me. The moment I’ve decided to follow Jesus Christ, my life changed completely. That doesn’t mean everything was bright and shiny – there were lots of thorns, mind you!
Anyway, just to say this is the reason why I let my faith shape everything in life – from the friends I make to my dressing code, diets and cleaning habits. Yes, cleaning habits!
When you cannot afford professional home cleaning services and have to clean the house all by yourself – that’s right, no help from the spouse or the kids either – cleaning can get really boring.
Previously, it was impossible for me to spruce up the entire house in a single day without some upbeat Christian music. However, recently, I’ve realized that, as a firm believer of Christ, I can do much more than just listen to Christian music.
If you are not against the idea of praying while cleaning, let’s find out some detailed guidelines to get you started!
Foyer
This is the area where your guests enter and wait when they get into your home. It’s the place where coats are hung, umbrellas are kept and shoes are tossed. But, remember, it’s also the space where your guests should feel welcomed and a dirty, messed up foyer is obviously not welcoming.
So, here are some basic tips for a clean and tidy sitting room:
- Get rid of anything that’s cluttering the entryway.
- Dust the whole place; use a broom head to eliminate ceiling cobwebs, shake out rugs and doormats and dust off light fixtures.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor clean and free the floor of any remaining dust and dirt by using a wet mop.
- Doors and windows should be cleaned properly.
- You can also get an umbrella stand and a basket for dog essentials – that’s optional!
As you are cleaning the foyer, pray that each guest that comes through this area feels welcomed in your home. Pray for an atmosphere of peace and joy. You should also pray that every time your loved ones leave through that door, they should return home safely. It’s equally important to thank God for blessing you to have the support and love of these people.
These are the verses you can pray with:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…”
– From Matthew 25:35
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
– From Hebrews 13:2
Laundry Room
Guys, this is the last place I always clean. I know washing clothes, folding, hanging and putting them away sucks. But, not if you include in prayers.
In my case, I always ask God to give me courage for that one cleaning task that I think is not really my thing.
