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Day 5: Be Still and Serve: The Heart of Homemaking

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We’ve arrived at Day 5 of our “Be Still and Serve: Cultivating the Heart of a Homemaker” challenge! Today, as we wrap up this series, our focus shifts towards recognizing and embracing our unique purpose in our homes and lives. Today I’m talking about the heart of homemaking.

Every homemaker’s journey is unique, yet we are united by a common thread: purpose. Proverbs 31 paints a beautiful picture, not of a woman trying to do it all, but of a woman who works with purpose in all she does.

The Heart of Homemaking

I’ve been a homemaker for over 32 years and while I am in no way a perfect housekeeper, I believe wholeheartedly in embracing the heart of homemaking. As a homemaker, you have so many opportunities to minister not only to your family but also to those in your community as well.

In Acts 9:36-42, we read about Tabitha, a disciple known for her good works and charitable deeds. While the details of her daily life aren’t recorded, her impact is. She used her skills to serve her community with purpose.

Tabitha, also called Dorcas, resided in Joppa, a coastal town known for its vibrant community. The legacy she left behind is a testament to her commitment to purpose-driven homemaking. Tabitha must have been such a kind and thoughtful woman who used her skills, talents, and compassion to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around her.

Her needlework and garment-making were more than just crafts; they were one of the many ways she offered love and care to those in her community. Through her creations, Tabitha demonstrated a deep understanding of the power of service. Each stitch, each garment she carefully fashioned, was an extension of her heart—a symbol of her desire to uplift, support, and nurture those in need.

Proverbs 31:20 says: “She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”

Tabitha’s impact reverberated far beyond her immediate circle. When she fell ill and passed away, the community mourned her loss deeply.

“One day she became sick and died. After they had washed her body, they laid her in a room on the second floor. The city of Lydda was near Joppa. The followers heard that Peter was at Lydda and sent two men to ask him to come at once. Peter went back with them. When he came, they took him to the room. All the women whose husbands had died were standing around crying. They were showing the clothes Dorcas had made while she was with them.” Acts 9:37-39

The outpouring of grief was a testament to the profound effect she had on the lives of those around her. In their sorrow, they expressed how she had touched their lives with her acts of kindness and her genuine spirit of service. 

The story of Tabitha underscores the essence of purpose-driven homemaking. It teaches us that homemaking goes beyond physical tasks—it’s about infusing our actions with intention and love. Tabitha’s example reminds us that the mundane tasks we engage in each day can become meaningful acts of service when approached with a heart full of compassion and purpose.

Just as Tabitha’s skills and resources were harnessed to make a positive impact in her community, our challenge beckons us to embrace our unique abilities and use them to bless others. Whether through homemaking tasks, interactions with loved ones, or service to the community, we can follow in Tabitha’s footsteps and create a legacy of purposeful living.

I want to encourage you to use your skills, talents, and resources to serve and nurture others with purpose. Just as Tabitha’s needlework garments brought comfort, our actions can bring warmth, care, and love into the lives of people in our reach.

Similarly, your home is the backdrop of your ministry. From the meals you cook to the prayers you whisper, every act is a testament to God’s unique purpose for you.

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

5 Ways to Serve Your Community as a Homemaker

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a homemaker is the innate ability to nurture, care, and serve. While our primary focus often remains on our homes and families, our sphere of influence can extend far beyond our front doors. With a heart for service and the unique skills developed through homemaking, there are countless ways to be a blessing to others in the broader community. Here are five impactful methods for homemakers to serve their local communities:

  1. Organize or Participate in Meal Rotations for Those in Need:
    As homemakers, we are often adept at planning and preparing meals. Consider creating a meal rotation for a neighbor recovering from surgery, a new mom, or a family going through a challenging time. You can organize a schedule and encourage friends and neighbors to contribute.
  2. Host Community Gatherings:
    Your home can be a hub for community interaction. Organize small gatherings – book clubs, prayer meetings, or simple coffee mornings. It’s an opportunity to foster community ties, offer support, and provide a space for people to connect.
  3. Offer Childcare or Respite Care:
    If you’re gifted with patience and a love for children, consider offering occasional childcare for mothers who need a break, parents attending appointments, or families with special needs children. Even a few hours can make a significant difference in someone’s week.
  4. Lead or Support Local Charity Initiatives:
    Channel your organizational skills by coordinating clothing drives, food bank collections, or fundraisers. Many charities need help with different aspects of their operations. As a homemaker, you’re likely familiar with managing resources, time, and multitasking—all valuable skills in this context.
  5. Share Your Skills:
    Teach a sewing class, lead a baking workshop, or offer basic home budgeting sessions. Many homemaking skills are highly valuable and sought after. By sharing your expertise, you’re not only helping others but also building a sense of accomplishment and purpose in your own life.

The essence of homemaking lies in the heart’s ability to care for, support, and uplift others. Whether within the four walls of our homes or in the broader community, there’s always an opportunity to serve.

This challenge has been a journey of rediscovering the heart of a homemaker. Always remember that the Proverbs 31 woman shines, not because she’s perfect, but because she recognizes and embraces her purpose.

Action Steps for Today

1. Spend time in prayer, seeking clarity on how God wants you to serve with purpose in this season of your life.

2. List down your skills and passions. Reflect on how you can use them to serve your family and community more effectively.

3. Write down five things this challenge has taught you or reminded you of about your purpose as a homemaker.

4. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and reflections inside the Facebook Group! Let’s inspire each other on this beautiful journey of embracing stillness and purpose!


What’s one revelation or insight you’ve gained about your unique purpose during this 5 day challenge? I’d love to hear your thought in the comments below!

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