upside down epic

I have just become tired, it's the same track I have been running.

The laundry has grown to grand proportions.
The kids rooms? Tragedy has struck their rooms..again.
Dishes...kids really need to be helping..all the time.
Dusting..oh, almost forgot that needs to be done. Mostly do that for visitors.
I work all day and am home long enough to check on Grandma and grab a bite to eat and then head out with kids.
Then when we get home or sometimes before, we get Grandma in bed.

I ask myself if I am doing it wrong, if I need to have more lists or a better list. If I need to be more stern with the kids. I even catch myself going into 'comparison mode'. How can my friends houses be so nice yet they have kids too. Do I need to buy the latest book on how to stay more organized?
Then I remember how I found the 'Messies Manual' book, somewhere in my room and how I chuckled when I found it, how ironic. No, a book and lists won't help, except to make a pile bigger.

I don't have a skill set that helps my brain figure things out like how to be more organized and on schedule with cleaning. My skill set? I would say is probably compassion. But I have seen that I save the last of what I have left of my compassion for my family. They get the leftovers of me and who I am.

Grace..that's what I need more of. And then I realize I have it. And that I need to give it away more too. I know the house will always be there and always need cleaning. My kids won't always be here with me though. It is important for me to teach them and remind them that serving is something we should do and do it with joy. But don't put your family and home on the bottom of the list.

I enjoy serving and helping others. I love being plugged in with my church family. I want to be used in the ministry where God has called me. And as much as possible too because that is where my heart is.

But I have realized that what is first and foremost is my relationship with my Creator, so that my foundation is firm and centered. Then my husband and I need to be on the same page and walking together in our relationship with one another and our Creator so that our family will have a strong foundation.
Then after that things fall into place and there really is peace in the storm. Because when things start to get out of control and I feel worn down...I need to be able to slow down and listen to my Fathers voice.
and this is what I hear Him say

 Psalms 103...to paraphrase it..
He loves me, He forgives me, He is compassionate and merciful to me.
He understands me and my weakness, but I also must fear Him and keep His commandments.
His greatest command is to love. He is just and righteous.
His love endures forever for those that fear Him.
..simply praise Him!

Why is this important and how does it relate to me and how I feel about my house/housework and family?

Basically this, he knows that I get tired. He knows how I feel, all the time. The frustration..and weariness. He knows when and why I get mad about the things that I get mad about.
The answer? The resolution? It won't get my laundry or dishes done. It won't make a schedule or slow down my day.
It is this.....

Praise Him...let a song be in your heart. He is your Creator...He has done SO much for you. Be glad for this! Be excited about this! We may be gone tomorrow and the earth won't matter.
Love the things He loves...keep his commandments...especially the most important one...the epic one.
And if you get it..your world will be turned upside down for sure.