HOMEMAKING

Celebrating Mother’s Day reminds me how the image of a “typical” family and homemaking has changed in my lifetime. Do you think societal shifts down-play or de-emphasize homemaking?

Timothy Keller discusses the role of women as homemakers in his book, God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: “…such women are the creators and maintainers of civilization.” Although he names this role as specifically belonging to a woman, today there are stay at home Dads and mixed families. Yet, the homemaker is a vital role, not only for ourselves, but the whole of humanity.

Does Mother’s Day help apply pressure on women to do it all? Often quoted, Proverbs 31 describes the “ideal” wife. Discussions are often based on the premise that it is old-fashioned, smothering, and dismissive to women; placing them in a limited role in society. But, if you read it honestly, this is simply not true. Proverbs 31 describes a woman beyond a mere homemaker. Her skill set is all-encompassing. She accomplishes many tasks in the home, as well as in business outside the home. Her contributions, with the husband, make their family a mutually successful joint venture.

Our goal is a priority to create homes as a haven for us and our children. Allow each member to realize their God-given gifts. I encourage you to read all of Proverbs 31, it is empowering!

Here is the conclusion in verse 31, The Message Version: “Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Adorn her life with praises!”