I’ve always been pretty tough on myself when it comes to the way my home looks. Like most women, I want my home to be beautiful–like those amazing homes I see online, in magazines, and now on Pinterest! You know the ones. But in all honesty, that’s not usually the case for me–my house can get messy.

My husband likes to tease me because I get anxious and do mad-dash last-minute cleaning right before we have guests. I always feel like there’s just one more thing I could do. There has been a time, or two, or three… when my husband has stopped me, looked me in the eyes, and said “It’s okay for a house to be look lived in. We live here.”

Hmmm… a lived in home! What a concept?!

Well, after having my daughter just a little over a year ago, on top of being a new wife, and working full-time among other things, I’ve had to really prioritize how I spend my “free” time. Instead of trying to have a home where everything’s in perfect order, I instead take the time to make sure my home is clean, and do my best to keep things tidy. And, most of the time I feel great about our home. But, I tell you, there are certainly days I get stressed and obsessed and go off on a cleaning frenzy (which I guess isn’t so bad every once in a while). But overall, I’ve learned to love a lived in home.

I was washing the dishes the other night–yes, actually washing them since we don’t have a dishwasher, and I thought to myself… I don’t think my daughter will ever say, wow, my mom is super organized and the best housekeeper ever. But, I do think she’ll say “Mom I’m so glad you always take the time to play with me, have fun with me, and talk with me!” I’m so very grateful that together my husband and I are doing our best to raise our daughter with love in our lived in home–which I think is pretty special.

Let’s remember that when we are constantly comparing ourselves to others, it’s the side they’re showing–most of the time, their best side. I think Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church said it best–

” One reason we struggle with insecurity: we’re comparing our behind the scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.” – Steven Furtick

We all have things we beat ourselves up over. For me it’s my sometimes messy, unorganized home. For you it may be something else. But, let’s try to love ourselves a little bit more–we’re worth it! And I actually think in the midst of our blessed messy lives we’re all doing a pretty great job. If you take some time to think about it, I’m sure you’ll agree!

With love,

K