Then a thought came yesterday... What is real homemaking?
If a house is perfectly clean; not a thing out of place, we think we've achieved the goal of housekeeping.
But I've been to many houses that are perfectly spotless, but there is no peace there. And it's just not home.
I've also been to houses that are definitely "lived in"; not very clean, or neat. But, there is a peace there. And it's home.
As homemakers our duty is not to keep the house spotless. Tho' I must admit, that is desirable. Rather it is to have peace in the home.
A house is not a home without peace.
It has always bothered me to hear men talking about how much women nag, and gripe. How they will never submit to their husbands; or obey him in anything.
I've always thought that was rather a crass way of talking about women. But often it is most despairingly true.
Why is that? Why don't we, as women, as ladies, be supportive of the men in our lives?
We as ladies, and as daughters of The King, are to be submissive, and supportive of the men. Meek, and gentle. Not trying to be "tough like the guys", or seeking to have our own way always.
The role of a woman is to support the men in their walk with the King.
The highest calling in our lives is to be a helpmeet to the men. To be there for them, to help them when it's needed. Not being pushy, and trying to work our way to the forefront.
The saying goes "Behind every good man is a good woman"
A good woman supports the men in their efforts, as they follow the Lord.
A good woman doesn't nag. She encourages.
A good woman doesn't tell the man what he needs to do. She prays for him, then helps when needed.
We don't need to be married to do this either. Most girls have brothers, and all girls have fathers. ;)
We can practice being submissive to, and supportive of them, so our homes may be peaceful now. And when we should go on, and have our own homes there will be peace and harmony.
We won't suddenly know what to do once we're married. Once we're married doesn't mean we automatically grow up, and are ready for anything that comes with a marriage. We need to learn now. Practice now.
If we as ladies, and daughters of The King were to behave in this manner, we would have peaceful homes. Now, and forever.
So really, being a homemaker is not just keeping the house clean... that's too low of a goal. We should not stoop to such a low position. Rather homemaking is a high, and holy calling.
If we know Christ, we will have peace. If we have peace, our homes will be peaceful. If our homes are peaceful we can better influence others for Christ.
"The hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world." Don't stoop to something so debasing as a career.
Having a peaceful home, raising Godly children, and supporting our men is indeed the highest earthly calling.
But we cannot be peaceful if we don't know Christ intimately. This should be our first priority. Forget the dishes. Forget the vacuuming. Forget the laundry for the time being, and get to know your Saviour. That is the biggest step to having a peaceful home. And a loving family.
The order of command in the modern "home" has been that of the women at the head, and the men below them, humiliated, and disgruntled. Which leaves the children in confusion, and ultimately rebellion. This should never be.
The order of command should always be; Christ at the head, the father receives the commands of Christ, and passes them on to the mother and children.
The mother is to be there in support of the father, and in service to him and to Christ. To raise up the children in the way they ought to go.
The sons are to be in training for their future homes, and families. To be Godly young men, and future patriarchs.
The daughters are to be in submission to their God given authority: their father. And to be supportive of their fathers and brothers as they endeavor to be Godly men. And to be a help to their brothers as they learn to be leaders. In preparation for being wives and mothers.
So, our "to do list" should never start with "make breakfast" or "do laundry", it should always start with "get to know my Father better today" "be a better Daughter today". If we know our Father, all else will fall into place.
A Christian Home
O give us homes built firm upon the Savior,
Where Christ is Head and Counselor and Guide;
Where ev'ry child is taught His love and favor;
And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:
How sweet to know that tho' his footsteps waver,
His faithful Lord is walking by his side!
O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,
Who always place their hope and trust in Him;
Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,
Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;
A home where each finds joy in serving others,
And love still shines, tho days be dark and grim.
O give us homes where Christ is Lord and Master,
The Bible read, the precious hymns still sung;
Where pray'r comes first in peace or in disaster,
And praise is natural speech to ev'ry tongue;
Where mountains move before a faith that's vaster,
And Christ sufficient is for old and young.
O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!
We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;
Their bonds of love no enemy can sever,
If Thou art always Lord and Master there:
Be Thou the center of our least endeavor
Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.
Lyrics: Barbara B. Hart, 1916
Tune: (Finlandia) Jean Sibelius, 1865-1957
In the service of my Father
Hallie
Where Christ is Head and Counselor and Guide;
Where ev'ry child is taught His love and favor;
And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:
How sweet to know that tho' his footsteps waver,
His faithful Lord is walking by his side!
O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,
Who always place their hope and trust in Him;
Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,
Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;
A home where each finds joy in serving others,
And love still shines, tho days be dark and grim.
O give us homes where Christ is Lord and Master,
The Bible read, the precious hymns still sung;
Where pray'r comes first in peace or in disaster,
And praise is natural speech to ev'ry tongue;
Where mountains move before a faith that's vaster,
And Christ sufficient is for old and young.
O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!
We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;
Their bonds of love no enemy can sever,
If Thou art always Lord and Master there:
Be Thou the center of our least endeavor
Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.
Lyrics: Barbara B. Hart, 1916
Tune: (Finlandia) Jean Sibelius, 1865-1957
In the service of my Father
Hallie
