I have a bit of an obsession with keeping my house clean.  You wouldn’t know it, given that on most days, it looks like Dorothy’s tornado dropped the entire contents of a toy store (and a nature center; and a library; and a home improvement center) in my living room.  But I do try, and my preoccupation with it can make me a bit crazy.

Okay.  A lot crazy.

Mother Most Pure

Take my trash can, for instance.  It used to open when I stepped on a pedal at the bottom.  It doesn’t do that anymore.  Why?

Because one afternoon, I had a giant temper tantrum over the state of my house.  And I threw it out the back door, where it promptly broke.

That was three years ago.  I have not purchased a new trash can.

I know mindfulness is trendy right now.  But I prefer the term intentionality, because it speaks to something much more than being present.  If I am intentional in my deeds and my words, I am focused on the why.  Am I keeping my house clean out of pride?  Or am I keeping it clean out of a desire to provide an ordered space for my family?  Am I exercising in an endless battle to lose vanity pounds?  Or do I work out to keep my heart healthy for my children?  Am I teaching my children at home because I’m convinced the schools are worthless?  Or am I homeschooling because I love being with my children, and it’s where God has led me right now?

Being intentional provides a cross check.  It ensures I do what I do out of love, not disorder.  It brings me closer to Mary, our Mother Most Pure, whose every action stemmed from love of her son and savior.  It encourages me to meditate on the holiness of every day life, keeping my focus on performing the small things with great love.

Family Activities

• Revamp your chore list:  include a description of how the chore serves others
• Keep a family prayer journal

Family Prayer

Mother Most Pure, you encourage us to act with love and pure intentions.  Pray for us, that we might grow closer to your son. Amen

This post is part of the 31 Days of Devotion to Our Blessed Mother.  To read the rest of the series, click here: