Are You Struggling to Be Disciplined?

“A load of laundry a day keeps the worry away.”

A while back, I was scrolling on Facebook reels and came across a reel by a homemaker. I would love to be home with the kids if we were financially able. But for now, I watch pro-tip videos to attempt to keep order in our home with two full-time working parents.

This mom in the video was explaining that every day in her home of six, she does one load of laundry. Washes, dries, folds, and puts away one load of laundry. And as I’m watching this video, I look over longingly at our massive pile of laundry in a chair across the living room. I’m sitting there thinking, “I agree with your logic if I could ever catch up!” So, I filed that piece of advice in the cabinet named “For when I catch up on chores.” I think we all have a version of that cabinet.

Being a fairly new mom (my oldest isn’t even two and a half), I am still learning a lot. One thing I have learned is that small intentional choices (or habits) can grow into something greater. Another word for this idea is discipline. Merriam-Webster tells us that the word “discipline” comes from discipulus, the Latin word for pupil. Which is also the root word that gave way to the word “disciple.” As in, a follower of Christ. Coincidence?

I will be honest with you: I am not the most disciplined person in the world. I forget things. The day slips by, and sometimes I watch a comfort movie over doing chores. Because of that, I greatly admire someone who is known as being “disciplined.” 

The worst gut feeling is when you feel “enslaved” to the dread of cleaning the house, turning in that essay, sending in that job application, or texting that friend back (which some of us wait way too long to do). I now know that discipline can actually give you freedom. 

Some time later after that reel, I was reading in Hebrews, and this verse stuck out to me. Hebrews 5:14 states:

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

Let’s break down this scripture. “Solid food is for the mature….” The mature are the spiritually mature, or someone who understands the basic teachings about God. 

“For those who have their powers of discernment,” sounds like a superhero, ha! But it explains what that is if you keep reading: “to distinguish good from evil.” 

My favorite part of this verse is right in the middle: having the power of discernment and spiritual maturity comes from being, “trained by constant practice.”

This is where laundry and our walk with the Lord are similar. Investing time every day can change how we function. I implore you to spend time with the Lord daily. It will change your life for the better. Those small steps of consistency are harder hitters than the “once in a while 30-minute deep dive.” Wake up five minutes earlier or put your phone down before bed and read a chapter. The more time you consistently spend with the Lord, the more you will crave to be with your Heavenly Father.

How do you normally build a relationship with someone? You spend time with them. You ask them questions, you pray with them, you check in with them. Sit and be still with the Lord, and allow the Holy Spirit to work within you. 

If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few suggestions;

1. Grab a friend (or a few) and send each other scripture each day. Alternate days.

2. Start writing out scripture cards and put them on your nightstand, dashboard, or on your bathroom mirror.

3. Set an alarm 10 minutes before you plan to go to bed. Instead of scrolling on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, read a physical copy of your bible. That way you don’t get distracted by notifications. 

4. Get up five minutes earlier than normal. Pray by your bedside on your knees before you start your day.

5. Instead of watching a TV show on your lunch break, spend time reading just one chapter of your bible.

6. Claim and memorize one piece of scripture. Mine is James 2:19.

7. Complete one entire load of laundry a day. Start it in the morning, set your timers for the washer and dryer. Fold on an elevated surface so your kids or husband don’t dismantle it. Have an empty basket ready to transport folded clothes. (P.S. I am still working on getting this routine down pat!)

Start small if you struggle to create consistency in your life. Let those small decisions compound into something greater. 

You got this, ladies, in the Lord’s strength!