You’ve heard this, former procrastinators. “There’s no point in making my bed. I’m just gonna get back in it.” (Should we apply the same logic to doing the dishes?)
Now that we’ve dispelled the myths that diligence is constant work, does everything, and requires perfection, let’s take this month to notice small areas where we can apply diligence – or excellence. They’re closely related.
Making my bed is not a task I especially enjoy, but I like the results. You could never flip a coin on any bed I’ve ever made, but every time is instant gratification. The effort is a small price to pay for an orderly room and starting the day with accomplishment. Plus we get to retire to a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
The biggest advantage to making the bed might be the development of faithfulness in a small thing, a trait God values. Taking the time to do this small thing develops caring in a person and a habit of tidiness that carries over into other areas. It develops responsibility.
Do you hit a snag on bedmaking? Maybe you’re first up and leave a sleeper behind. You seldom get back to the room until late in the day, if at all. Try pairing bedmaking with something else, such as “wash breakfast dishes/make bed.” (Or make a deal with the late sleeper so he makes the bed!)
Are you overloaded on décor? Eliminate some pillows or throws that make extra work.
Does perfectionism plague you? Swap your smooth bedspread for one with a little fluff that won’t show every tiny wrinkle underneath.
Are you thwarted by the position of the bed up against a wall or by stacks of clutter in the way? Dispose of the clutter. Move the bed out from the wall to make it easy on yourself or your child.
Admiral William McRaven wrote a book called Make Your Bed – Little Things that Can Change Your Life … and Maybe the World. That says it.
How many days this week will you make your bed?
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