You Don't Have to if You Want To

Hannah, me James and Tom in the garden.

I love the phrase..."You don't have to if you want to" and I've been using it alot with my kids lately. It really makes them think, especially my 5 and 8 year old boys.  :) But, there's a catch... it applies to me too! Yes, it's always convicting to hear the things we so lovingly and wisely say while instructing our dear little ones.

Mild maids Ruth and Mary

This is the barn that Jeff built.

There are so many seemingly mundane, repetitious, not-so-significant things Moms do.  I remember one time when I sighed to my husband's co-worker that it must be nice to be able to get his work done. Once a barn was built and delivered it was finished. He asked what I meant. I complained that my work was never done. He lovingly pointed out that it certainly was done...my family wore clean clothes, ate nutritious meals, lived in a clean house and had a Mom that loved them. That was my work and it was getting done and my job was to keep doing it. That helped me see things clearly again. Maybe that's why God chose the wording "keeper at home", because we must keep on keeping. 

Dishwasher Joe

All done! Pete folding clothes.

This concept can really change our perspective when we apply it to different areas of our work. Just think of the difference between having to make dinner...and wanting to.  After all the most important ingredient is love. Or viewing laundry as drudgery or...loving service to our precious family. I sometimes lift a little prayer for the one who's clothes I'm folding. And dishes can actually be a special time of prayer and praise, with the right heart. 

Jeff and Me and Tommy on his birthday!

                                                                                                                                                    Years ago while I was getting up with my
first newborn I realized that I didn't have to if I wanted to and it made all the difference. Instead of his cry being a rude interruption to my much needed sleep it was a welcome invitation to be with him, to nurse him, comfort him and watch his dreamy smile. Those were fleeting moments that I didn't want to miss!


The following poem has long been an inspiration to me.
Publish Post

Boots

Home Duties

Though life may seem useless and empty and vain,

Ours is the task to help others in pain-

Soothe little scratches and kiss the bruised knee,
Patch little troubles and peacemakers be.

Nothing ourstanding-no fame will we know;

We work for our families, helping them grow.

Hannah and Sarah and chocolate chip cookie dough..yum!

We homemakers aren't sent to a far, foreign field,

Our home is the place where to Christ we may yield,

And truly be Christians, doing God's will,

In these little duties our mission fulfill.

Humdrum occupation? You may say it is so,

But it takes our very best efforts, we know.

You wonder perhaps what satisfaction can come

From the small, humble duties required of some?

Joe, Seth, James and Ruth butchering antelope.

Serving at home to women was given,

To let our light shine and to gain all of heaven.

Though some may belittle, may our motto e'er be:

"As you've done unto others you've done unto Me."

Pete and Joe bringing in the wood.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" 

Col. 3:23, 23.

Hannah's roses

                    A humdrum occupation? You may say it is so... but, I love the variety my life-choices have brought and wouldn't change the way I am spending my days for any other role. Here is a partial job description: teacher,nurse, herbalist, nutritionist, midwife/doula, coach, referee, counselor, gardener, chef, baker, domestic engineer,interior decorator,childhood development specialist....
                      I remember the pressure I felt in high school to figure out what I was going to "be" and "do". There were so many options. I wanted to find something meaningful and a way to help people..and to make a difference in this world. God has blessed me in calling me to be a wife, mother and homemaker and continues to fulfill all of the desires of my heart.


Psalm 37:4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.