Whatsoever Things

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”

Did anyone else grow up hearing that? And I’m proud to say I sound like my mother when I pass this along to my own children.

Because it’s so true.

As a child and even as an adult, I can inwardly groan sometimes, because I know that “doing it well” is not going to be the easy way. It never is.

So I know when I rattle off “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well” to my 13, 11, or 7-year-old for their chores, it’s not going to sound…to them…as if I’m being loving.

But the truth is (and I also say this to them often…as in, multiple times this week) that I love them too much to allow them to just do a so-so job.

I think God must feel the same about us. He calls us to goodness…in all things…at all times…in all ways.

Even our thoughts.

I have scrolled past too many Facebook posts and heard too many comments from friends and seen too many sullen faces in the grocery store…and the church pew, to be honest…to think that I’m the only one that needs a reminder about my thoughts.

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8 KJV

This week, I decided to break this down for myself and I’d encourage you to find a quiet spot with a pencil and paper, then fill in the blanks for yourself too.

Whatsoever things are true: I am loved and created specifically for the doors God has opened for me.

Whatsoever things are honest: Be brave enough to be honest with myself, too

Whatsoever things are just: Live a life of integrity and lead my children by example

Whatsoever things are pure: In a world that feels increasingly dark, work passionately to keep our home full of God’s light. I don’t want to be overly protective, but I also have a responsibility to keep the hearts and minds of my children as pure and joyful and peaceful as I can.

Whatsoever things are lovely: I cannot control the ugliness of the world around me. I can control my response. I can also, to a large degree, control the loveliness inside my home, not only with material things, but also with an atmosphere of joy.

Whatsoever things are of good report: Turn. Off. The. News. I want to be aware and informed, but I do not have digest and deeply internalize every bit of sorrowful news. Don’t carry the weight of burdens that are not mine to carry; this leaves me exhausted and unprepared to sit across the table and be a good listener or encourager to others.

If there be any virtue or praise… if it is excellent: Train my mind to dwell and focus on the good gifts from God.

I got a little vulnerable over on Instagram this week and shared about a recent comment from someone. I hesitated to share because I never want to sound like I’m complaining or being negative. It’s actually quite the opposite.

Someone (politely) let me know that they could not follow me anymore because it seemed that I was too unaware of the tattered state of our world. In essence, I was being too positive and it bothered them.

I very rarely get comments like this or negative ones at all, thankfully. I think I’ve only had one other one so negative in all these years on social media. To be honest, it really didn’t phase me (maybe it should have, but there are just bigger fish to fry, so to speak).

What I did feel was immediate sadness for this individual. It was a clear reminder of the sad, hopeless lens through which so many people see life.

Is there a lot of awful…even horrific…stuff? Is the sadness and suffering of so many people overwhelming? Is the very real heartbreak of personal friends…just this week…crushing? Yes, yes, and yes. And that only scratches the surface.

And the easy way out would be to land there. To settle in the grime and despair. But if living is worth doing well, then it is worth the hard work to fight against the sadness, suffering, and heartbreak to see the good, pure, and lovely.

If it’s worth doing, then it’s worth doing well. And that is where I want to not only live, but thrive.

Have I figured it out? No way. At this point, probably most of us would benefit from professional help (which can be an incredible blessing.). But I’m trying. And I’m looking for the good. And guess what?

I see it. I see it in the eyes of my kiddos. I hear it in their laughs and anecdotes from the day. I see it in the kindness of my husband (who helped me clean and clean and clean after our kitchen island refinishing this week!).

I see it in a thoughtful text from a friend and in generosity to those in need. I feel it in the hug from a student and an iced latte paid for by the guy in front of me (yep, that happened!). I see it in the weed, tucked in a cup of water by the sink, lovingly picked by my little guy. I see it. I hear it. I feel it.

I hope you can too. It’s worth the effort, it’s worth thrashing through the waves and carving out quiet moments.

So…here’s your homework.

Philippians 4:8 for me, for this time:

Whatsoever things are true:

Whatsoever things are honest:

Whatsoever things are just:

Whatsoever things are pure:

Whatsoever things are lovely:

Whatsoever things are of good report:

If there be any virtue or praise… if it is excellent:

And don’t worry; I won’t check up on you to see if you completed your homework!

Big hugs and simple blessings for your week. The gift of life is worth doing well.

Much love from our nest.

Blessings,

P.S. I’d love for you to follow me on social media! You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

15 Comments

Jill on at

Thank you, Robyn! Gods word turned into thoughtful contemplation for my day! ❤️
Jane on at

Beautiful way to start Sunday morning by reading your blog. Thank you! Praise God.
- Dana on at
  
  I tell my kids that all the time. A job worth doing is worth doing well. They don’t quite get it but maybe one day. Thanks for this thought provoking post.
Rhonda on at

Beautiful read on this beautiful Sunday Morning!! God bless you and your family!! xo
- Diana Risteff on at
  
  I am surprised by how much I look forward to your messages and pictures of your very nice decorating. I guess my taste is very close to yours. But I need to dust more often. Thanks goody2r@gmail.com
Jane on at

Thank you Robyn. You are a blessing to your family and your community. Have a blessed weekend.
- Jean on at
  
  Wonderful. Thanks for your reminder. I agree whole heartedly. Blessings.
Renae on at

Amen! This is a beautiful post.
Ann V on at

I love this beautiful reminder and peek into the highs and lows of your week. Life always has some of both but these verses (the same ones I’ve been meditating on this week) point us to the power we have over our thoughts. ALWAYS there are tangible gifts from God just for us when we open our eyes and minds to see them!
Joana on at

So beautiful!!
Bev on at

So beautifully written! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Deborah on at

Thank you so very much for sharing. Very much needed in this crazy world we are all living in. God Bless.
Shonda on at

Thanks so much for the reminder!! I always enjoy your posts, verses, and lovely smile, along with all the decor! They are a bright spot in my day!
Cynde on at

Beautifully written post!! Also teachers are a gift from God, I know the dedication, devotion, and so many other things that it requires. Thank you for your post.
Michelle on at

Yes and AMEN!! I do plan on taking this challenge as a reminder to myself and others of God’s good promises! Thank you for always encouraging us and pointing us back to our true source of strength!

Whatsoever Things

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