Why Would I Want to Stay Home? Part 2

As Part 1 explained, being a keeper at home does involve some plain, ordinary work, just like any other job does. And viewing that working through the light of the Christian duty, we find a wealth of opportunities to serve our families. But that is only a part of what being a keeper at home is…there is so much more, although the “so much more” has been lost!

The picture of staying home is so marred by feminists influences, that most women truly don’t understand the plethora of activities, opportunities and freedoms that belong to a true keeper at home. I believe if it ever got out, women would come home in droves!

Homemakers have been painted to be bored, incapable of real achievement, and even enslaved in their homes. Enslaved? As opposed to the woman who must be at work at the time prescribed by another, spend her whole day doing work prescribed by another, taking breaks and lunch only when allowed by another, always enslaved to the demands of another?

Feminists lies! Home brings freedom to a woman…freedom to thrive as God intended her.

In a nutshell, home once was, and I believe should still be, a center of productivity. In essence, we should be making stuff–all kinds of stuff! One of the greatest fulfillments belonging to a person, particularly a woman, is that of creation. For when we create, we reflect the image of our Creator, and that reflection points the world to Him.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and godhead, so that they are without excuse…” Romans 1:25

We are part of “the things that are made”…we are a walking illustration to the world of the power and attributes of our Creator!

And before you wave your arms in protest saying, “But I’m not creative, or crafty, or whatever…stick with me.

When home is the center of productivity, and can only be such when someone is present at its center, the mandates of Scripture are naturally fulfilled. Husbands have complete helpmeets, children can be nurtured in the Lord, widows can be visited, the afflicted can be relieved…so many things that we are seeing neglected in this culture.

The Proverbs 31 woman gives us a clear picture of the productive home. Was she bored? Was she incapable? Was she dull-minded? Was she weak? NO WAY!

So, what does a productive home look like? I can only offer a glimpse, because your gifts and talents will vary from another’s, and there is too vast array of activities to mention. But depending on your strengths and interests, it could include a number of the things below:

(BTW, we need to “bridge the gap” in a generation where so many homemaking skills have been lost. If you do not sew, learn how! If you cannot cook, learn how! Do it for your family, and especially do it for your daughters so that they might far surpass our efforts!)

• Making good meals for our family–and often making them beautiful. Sometimes it may just be soup and crackers, with the soft glow of candlelight. But meal time is a crucial time for families to connect, bond, and weave a lifetime of sweet memories together. Don’t let it get swept away in the rush of life.

• Making meals for other people–a new mom, a sick neighbor, a tired friend. What a sweet way to serve and to teach our children the importance of loving others. Too busy for a meal? A plate of cookies or a loaf of bread still communicates love and service. One friend of mine often leaves cookies in her mailbox for the mail person…recently the mail lady wrote her a note expressing her overwhelming gratitude for such a gesture. She was having many trials in her life and the cookies were a expression of love to her.

• Making the most of our resources…there are so many ways to help our husbands by saving money. When we are at home, we have the time, energy and ability to find creative ways to stretch the budget.

• Making gifts…everyone can learn to make simple gifts. This is a huge money-saver! And homemade gifts are such a blessing to people as opposed to store-bought ones. Again, your children are reaping the benefits of watching you use your resources wisely AND be a blessing to those around you.

• Making curtains instead of buying them (or some other item of the home)…OK, this one is over my head. I am not a seamstress, although I am determined one day to be! I have begun to do some simple sewing projects, though.

• Making flower arrangements to sit in the bathroom, or on the kitchen table, or beside the bed, or to take to a neighbor. I just went outside and picked a large bouquet of black-eyed susans, put them in a cute sunflower vase that I bought on clearance last year, and took them to my neighbor for her birthday. The younger children helped me arrange them. Who knows…maybe one of them will start a flower-arranging home business for weddings one day???

• Making memories with our children…this simply requires lots of unhurried time that being at home affords us.

• Making our homes lovely with the simple touches of candles, soft music or a fresh smell…when families are rushed, divided, and running in and out of home just for showers and sleep, the home is merely a house. Let’s make our homes a haven…a resting place, a place of comfort, security and love. Our husband’s need it, our children need it, and we need it! Furthermore, guests who come to visit will sense the warmth and love of home and long for it too!

• Making ourselves presentable to our children and husbands…if we take the time to “fix up” for strangers, how much more should we bless our families by maintaining a neat appearance?

• Making phone calls to check on a burdened friend…anyone can do this. It is a ministry within itself! Sending cards or letters also fall into this category. Let your children help you.

• Making bread, even if it’s just to fill the house with a warm, wonderful aroma…make cookies with your little ones…make anything! Try a new recipe.

• Making babies ;-)…

Do you get the picture?

PLEASE do not feel overwhelmed by this post. Understand that you may do only one of these things a week, or a month. You may start with one thing and add to it. You may be in a busy, difficult season of life, where the only thing you may find time to do is turn on some soft music. If so, then just turn on some soft music!

Do what you can, when you can. Relax, enjoy, learn, add, and pray for ways to be productive. We were wired to find our fulfillment in creativity, and beauty. Start looking for the simple ways to bring delight to your family. Don’t let it be a burden. And as you thrive, your family will thrive. And that joy will shine as a testimony to the world!