Dishes, laundry, bills, meal prep, continual cleanup. Scraped knees, bad attitudes, giggles, and sticky smiles … are we satisfied with this quiet life? Or are we constantly longing for more?
Book club friends and the words in Sarah Mae’s book The Unwired Mom make me think. Why am I so pulled into Social Media? Why do I mindlessly scroll through feeds? What makes me want to see how many likes I have after posting a photo online?
I often struggle with being satisfied with a quiet life. I’ve privately told my husband many times that, “I feel like everything I do is so invisible.”
Even while I whisper those words, deep down I know the invisible things we do are often the most important works we’ll ever accomplish. Sometimes it’s just hard to move information from my head to my heart.
“…your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:4
Nobody watches me clean my house, but they can feel invited and welcomed when they walk into the calmness. Nobody sees how many times I fix scraped up knees and teary eyes, or how many times I’ve helped to heal hurting hearts.
Those works are invisible. But they matter so much.
I want to be satisfied with a quiet life. One that doesn’t have to share every nice looking dinner or bedtime snuggle with the internet. One that can take my kids to the pool or the park without feeling a need to post it online.
I don’t want to live a life that’s spent glued to a glaring screen, addicted to likes and news and emotional emptiness. I want to live free. Embracing where God has placed me. Being present for my children, my home, my husband, my job, my life.
“That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” 2 Timothy 2:1-3
This fall, I want to help you embrace a quiet life, too. I’m sharing some of my journey – not because I want to be loud or noticed, but because I want to encourage you in the quietness.
There are two things going on right now that I think you’ll like:
1) Tame the Chaos Online Summit
The first thing I want to tell you about is a FREE Tame the Chaos online summit that’s happening this month. My friend Jessica Hepburn has interviewed 21 experts in organization, minimalism, simple living, and feng shui. Basically, everything you need to be inspired to turn your home into a relaxing haven!
I’m planning on listening to the interviews while I’m doing simple household tasks like folding laundry and cooking dinner so I can be inspired without it taking extra time out of my day.
The best part? It’s all online and it’s all completely FREE! I do have to admit that I’m a little nervous because Jessica interviewed me too, and this is my first time ever doing voice recording or an online summit! Ack! My interview will air on Sept 22, so make sure to sign up now so you won’t miss it. (When I signed up, my confirmation email went to junk, so check all your folders if you don’t see the email.)
2) 8 Weeks of Intention: Embracing Your Role at Home Blog Series
I am also thrilled to be hosting a FREE series over at my friend Darlene’s blog this fall! For the months of September and October, we’re going to be focusing on embracing our roles at home. Because while many dynamics are different for each family, the fact that every woman’s role at home is valuable remains the same.
We’re going to talk all about that role, and how to embrace it, in the coming weeks. Go here for the details.
Let’s Get Ready
Right now is the perfect timing to be proactive about fall cleaning so we don’t feel overwhelmed and buried under clutter when the holiday season starts in November.
{I know. I said the word holiday even though it’s only September. Don’t hate me! I just get SO MANY emails in December from readers who want to know how to get their house clean now so they can enjoy Christmas. I’ve been in that same place and I do what I can to encourage readers when I answer those emails, but the real secret is this: Start now. We should always strive to start early, before something becomes an emergency.}
Sign up for these FREE events!
Make sure to pin the introduction page or sign up for Time Warp Wife updates so you won’t miss a post in the Intentional Home series.
Sign up here so you can join the FREE Tame the Chaos online summit!
I’d love to hear: What thrills you about living a quiet life? How can you embrace invisible works?
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Davonne Parks believes that your role at home is valuable and she wants to help you thrive in your environment. Click here to receive immediate access to the FREE printable library she created just for you.
Beautiful words and wonderful advice (as always). Thanks for the constant encouragement, dear sister in Christ! I make it a point to read all your articles when I have time and I’m so glad I do! Love to you and your family!
Thank you Chelsea. You encourage me as well!
This was such an encouragement; thank you! I gave up my personal Facebook profile about 6 years ago after my second child was born for many of the things you listed. I felt it odd that I cared so much how many likes I received on a photo I posted, when many of the ppl I didn’t even talk to anymore(from high school, etc). Ironically, I work part time as a Social Media Marketer for a business so my work time is largely spent on social media platforms. Your post just reminded me of the freedom that comes from letting go of social media on a personal level, and that will be different for different ppl. For me it was saying goodbye and embracing my friendships in other ways. Thanks Davonne!
Rebekah, I 100% agree with everything you said! Especially this: “…freedom that comes from letting go of social media on a personal level, and that will be different for different people…” Thank you for chiming in!