I have been focusing on becoming a better homemaker these past few weeks, while reading through the book Large Family Logistics and studying a bit in Proverbs 31. Who is this virtuous wife? This excellent wife? This wife of noble character?
She is active and involved. She oversees her home and family. She has willing hands. She plans ahead as best she can, when it come to their clothing or food or spiritual and emotional needs. She looks to the details. Whether she is a stay-at-home mother or a work-at-home wife or a single mom with a full-time career, she has a home and someone to care for.
On pages 29 and 30 of Large Family Logisitics, Kim Brenneman writes:
“Idleness” is also translated “sluggishness” and “laziness.” “Eat the bread” gives the idea of “feeding on.” When I feed my sugar cravings, I want more sugar. When I grow accustomed to going to sleep at a certain time or waking up at a certain time, it is hard to move from those times. Newton’s Law of Motion states that a body will persist in its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed on it. The Excellent Wife does not feed idleness but exerts a force that jars her from any course of idleness that might otherwise develop.”
There is so much that needs to be done! I get tired some days just thinking about everything and everyone that needs my attention. But did you see what she said about being ‘compelled to change?’ If I do the next thing, if I take action, I am jarred out of that state of idleness that I want to remain in, and it’s easier to move on to the other tasks I need to accomplish.
A woman who takes seriously her calling as homemaker will always be seeking, learning, growing, possessing knowledge in many different areas. She needs wisdom and discernment in order to implement all that knowledge in a way that builds and benefits her family. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” And we know from Proverbs 1:7 that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” We have a lot on our plates, ladies. We can try to do it all, relying on our own strength and savvy or we can go to God who provides the power and strength and wisdom to do all that we need to do.
“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”
{Proverbs 14:1}
It can be hard work, tiring work, but it’s satisfying and rewarding work! Have a ‘arrived’ yet? Do I ‘have it all together’ yet? No, indeed. I am a work in progress. These qualities are my goals. I have much work to do. And day by day I am choosing to take on each task with a cheerful attitude and a willing heart, so my husband and children will be blessed, and my God will be glorified. The writer of this passage paints such a beautiful image, and my friend Misty does a beautiful job summarizing this woman who is priced far above rubies.
You can see a listing of all the posts in this series HERE. I hope you’ll join along with me as I get into the nuts and bolts of keeping house and managing my home. Remember, I warned you, I do NOT have it all together. You’ll be seeing some real life glimpses into my not so perfect self in the upcoming weeks. And some growth as well.
Sharing this post at some of these wonderful places.
Thank you so much for this. I struggle with letting go of the inertia that keeps me from doing more in my home. I know that once I get started though it is so much easier to keep on and get a lot accomplished.
I understand, Jennifer. Many times the thought of the big job ahead of me keeps me from getting started. But, if I just get myself up and make that first small effort to get started, it is almost always easier than I thought, and it really is easier to keep going. I’m praying for you today as you go about the tasks you need to accomplish 🙂
Not feeding idleness is a must for me. Otherwise I get nothing done. It is especially a struggle in the colder months. All I want to do is laze around. To keep moving on to the next thing is key for me to get things done.
You share wise words, my friend. It’s been a long winter for me, too. I’m already feeling a bit of Spring’s re-birth and I’m loving it! I’m a bit more energized and productive with my days, finding it a little bit easier to do the next things.
Thank you for encouraging us to be the women God wants us to be……..definitely a counter culture message and one that we need to be reminded of. Thank you for posting. Gentle Joy
You are very welcome, Gentle Joy. This is where I’m at, right now, needing encouragement in doing the right things. I hope others are encouraged as I work though it!
I don’t think “having it all together” is a state any of us reach. The closer we get, the more we understand how far away we really are!
You are right, Lisa. I have much to learn. I’m thankful for each new day and a fresh start.
This is inspiring! I invite you to link it up at this week’s Sunday Social Blog Hop (http://homesteadlady (dot) com/healthy-whole-mom-interview-schneider-peeps-2/) as I think it would help our audience there. 🙂
Thank you, Tessa 🙂 I’m so glad you were encouraged! I will hop on over to the Sunday Social – do they call it fashionable to be a day late? Thank you for stopping in for a visit. I’ll be seeing you again soon!
That is a great reminder. It is important for the young wife and the older woman to remember… Blessings!
Thank you, Glenys 🙂 We all need reminders from time to time, don’t we?
I love looking up Proverbs 31 and reflecting on it. There is so much knowledge in there. Thanks for sharing on Pintastic Pinteresting Party.
There is much knowledge and wisdom in Proverbs 31. I learn something new every time I read through. Thank you are for stopping by and sharing your thoughts today!
This was good!!!
Thank you, Judith 🙂
Good morning!
Thank you for linking up at our DIY Accomplished linky party! Yours was the featured post from last week!
Have a great day!
Thank you Laurie!