There is this harmful misconception that homemaking means merely cleaning and cooking. Well, yes, and no. Sure, taking care of the home in that sense is indeed part of homemaking, but it goes way beyond that. Today I want to not only explain in detail what is homemaking, but also encourage you about it. Because believe me, the position of a homemaker is very valuable!
Modern society tries to convince us that value means money. Getting rich and buying stuff became a new trend, and success is measured in coins. We started forgetting about more traditional values, often more important than money, family, relationships, and faith.
Let’s talk about values, chores, and the general idea of a homemaker, shall we? Here, grab some virtual tea and a biscuit and let’s dive right in!
Homemaking Is a Calling, Not a Chore
Sadly, nowadays people view homemakers as trapped and oppressed. Or, even more popular, we hear that “homemaking is less than a job”. Let’s make it clear, shall we?
Homemaking isn’t what you do because you don’t have a career. It is your career. It’s what you do to manage the space, family, home, and everything God has given you into your hands with wisdom.
In Titus 2:4-5, older women are encouraged to teach the younger women “to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home…” Not busy scrolling Pinterest or going out to “provide”, but busy building a beautiful and God-gloryfying home.
God created home as the first place of love, worship, and His glory – it’s literally such a fantastic workplace to be in! Homemaking is a part of God’s design, and it is no less than other parts of this design. Period.
What Is Homemaking – Practically
Let’s talk about the practical aspects of being a homemaker. It is not only keeping your home pretty and aesthetic, although who doesn’t love cute pillows and home decor? 😉 It’s also about:
Keeping the Atmospehere
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy home. Because you, my dear, shape the atmosphere of the house in the best of ways. It displays in the way you tend to and decorate your home, but also the way you welcome guests, the way you treat your husband and children, and generally, the way you make your home feel. It’s a huge responsibility, and its value is priceless. No money can buy the peace you are crafting in your home.
Nurturing
Homemakers feed their families. It’s a lovely thing to do, and even a simple soup can be a step of ministry. But don’t get me wrong – it’s more than just cooking. It’s also nurturing souls with meaningful conversations, creating bonding rituals, and making quality time really quality-full. Both nurturing through physical and spiritual food, so to say, can be learnt, so don’t worry if you still have some things to learn in this area.
Need some inspiration? Check out these 7 easy dinner ideas your husband will love.
Homemaking is like any other job – it takes some practice to master it.
Giving Rest
You, my dear, create a space where one can sit down comfortably and relax. It’s a true port of resting, with clean bed sheets, cozy candle, and caring hug. These gestures speak more than a thousand words. You are responsible for creating a space that makes you and others feel at peace and relaxed. It’s a place to which your husband cannot wait to arrive after work. The place to which your kids rush from school. But at the same time, it is not about the place that much – it’s what you do with it.
Encouraging with Words
Homemaking is not only about doing things – sometimes it is about your attitude, gentle and kind words, or quietly spoken prayer. You are the keeper of your home in every sense possible, and believe me, it’s a truly honorable work. Just like a woman from Proverbs 31, you manage so many things!
Homemaking is also very community-oriented. It is not a lonely housewife stereotype, but rather a powerful woman who steps out to build bonds and help those in need. It’s being there for your family, but also for others around you. It’s truly a mission!
Presence>Perfection
Jesus didn’t sit in spotless rooms – he sat in real homes. Ones that probably had crumbs on the floor, or loud kids running around. And yet these homes became places of miracles, love, and healing.
So let’s stop comparing ourselves or expecting that we will be perfect housewives. Chill out and enjoy the process – believe me, it’s fun once you take the pressure off!
And one more thing: Homemaking can be creative, colorful, and completely you. There isn’t one specific formula that can tell you how to keep your home. God created us in beautiful, variety-filled ways. Use your uniqueness to your advantage.
So fold the towels. Make a nice homemade pizza. Fluff the pillows. Pray for people. Meet with other women. And most importantly:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
— Colossians 3:23