Homemaking - The Way God Intended

Homemaking can be overwhelming when it is total chaos - mountains of laundry, a never-ending stack of dishes in the sink, children running amuck through the house. People often picture in their minds, the mother going through the house picking up after a trail of clothes and items left by the child. Though this can be true, we can also envision the devoted mother and housewife fervently cleaning the house with preschooler and toddler in her wake undoing everything the Mum has just done seconds after she leaves the room. It is a daunting task housework, to say the least, it seems it is never-ending and so it is. How do you solve this dilemma?

Homemaking in my definition is "creating an atmosphere of peace in the home, a safe haven from the frenzied world outside". A seemingly impossible task, you say, not really - no. Before I go on, I need to mention that the above scenario was very familiar to me. It leaves you with a sense of despair and hopelessness and with it - an 'its no use' lack of motivation. The whole chaotic cycle continues, driving you deeper and deeper into a rut that you think you can never get out of.

I was caught in that vicious cycle many-a-time before, yes I had an excuse it seemed, 7 children including a preschooler and toddler, but still that didn't solve the issue. At my wit's end, I finally 'got down to business' and asked God for help.

Here are a few things that God drew to my attention which I would like to share with you:

PROVERBS 31:10-31 Shows the role model we are to measure up to - to be the best and do the best at homemaking. This is what she had:

CONFIDENCE

Believe in yourself. If you build up your self-esteem and have a good sense of pride in yourself, your family, your home, then others around you will mirror that. (v 11-12)

MOTIVATION

Get up ready to 'take the bull by the horns' vigorous and eager to do what needs to be done. If you lack this, as we all do at times, you need to have a determination and goal to jump that hurdle. Pull up those socks, roll up those sleeves, grit those teeth - most of all, pray - Ask God to help you to pull through and achieve. (v13, 17)

MANAGEMENT

You need to look after the affairs of your household - budget your household and food allowance. Organise your finances so that you can meet the needs of your family - when they need it.

PREPARATION

Plan your day. Give yourself enough time to achieve what you want to achieve, otherwise time flies and you don't know where it went. Most importantly, plan your day with God. Make it a part of your quiet time. Even if it means getting up an hour earlier. (v15)

INVESTMENT

Make something profitable from what you already have. This can be in many ways, forms and shapes. Such as: Taking time to really listen to your children's thoughts and dreams; doing an activity together as a family such as a hobby or making cards and gifts instead of buying them from the store; build good memories together; buying staple groceries such as flour, rice and canned goods in bulk. You may even want to go as far as property or business investments.
(v 18)

RECOGNITION BY OTHERS

You don't need to have an important job or role in the community to be recognised by others, just reaching out and going the 'extra mile' for others is what makes the difference in people's lives that others in the neighbourhood and community cannot help but notice. (v 20)

SAFETY-CONSCIOUS

"The lamp does not go out at night" means to always be on the alert for the safety of your family. Check on the kids, lock the doors before you go to bed, check for fire-hazards such as make sure blankets are not close to heaters, unblock exits - that sort of thing. Be alert also for changes in weather in order to maintain wellness and comfort in the family - the blanket pulled over when the temperature drops etc. (v 18b, 21-22)

OVERSEEING

Delegate tasks but also get involved. Train and teach - not just 'bark orders'. While you are in the middle of making breakfast for example, remind the children of when things need to get done. Delegating is not enough on its own. It is necessary to train and teach your child how to do the task and do it well. Assist them where they fall short. As overseer of your home - YOU have the full responsibility of whether a task gets done, not your child. If the task if for some reason not done in time, or not done properly - then it is up to you to make sure the task is done the way you require. Don't lock yourself or your family into a set way of doing things but take full responsibility for the affairs of your household otherwise you are bound for frustration and disappointment which usually ends up vented at the children or 'kicking the cat'. If the task is not 'up to par' to give you peace of mind, then finish up the job yourself just the way you like it. This way the children and hubby come home to a peaceful environment instead of a 'screaming frenzy'. (v 26)

PRAISED

When you have achieved all the above, others will praise you. (v 28-31)

Copyright 2005 Rebecca Laklem.