Welcome to Day 2 of my series, Intentional Homemaking. There’s a verse in the Bible that speaks volumes. Proverbs 14:1 says, “A wise woman builds her home.” Today we’re going to look at what this means for you and I today!
30 Days Of Intentional Homemaking: Day 2
Families need women who make home a special place to live, learn, and grow. There is no other job that presents as many opportunities for shaping (for the good or the bad) the future of our country – of our world – than that of a homemaker.
Each of us is a homemaker. Whether you work outside the home or stay home full time, you are a homemaker. Whether you live with a big boisterous family or it’s just you and a couple of children – or just you and your husband – or even just you -, you are a homemaker. We’ve all been called to the ministry of homemaking.
I’ll be honest. As a wife, mom, and homemaker I’ve made a lot of mistakes and there’s so many things I wish I could go back and do over! Unfortunately, that’s not really possible. All I can really do is move forward and try to do my best right now.
Yesterday we looked at what it means to make a home. Homemaking is so much more important than our society wants us to believe. And as women who have been called to the ministry of homemaking, we have a special honor and responsibility to care for our homes.
She Builds Her Home: Video
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Proverbs 14:1 says that a wise woman builds her home. So my question for you today is, are you building your home or are you foolishly tearing it down with the work of your own hands?
I became a first time mother at the very young age of fifteen years old. I married soon after and I was a terrible housekeeper. I tried really hard to be a good mom. I had so much to learn! And I desired greatly to be a good mom. But I was a terrible housekeeper.
Here’s a little truth for ya. It’s really hard to be a good housekeeper when you really hate housekeeping.
I was a terrible housekeeper and that needed to change, but before I could do better I needed an attitude adjustment! Some chores are seriously tedious, gross, or just mind numbing. I won’t lie. I personally hate things like cleaning out clogged drains or scrubbing the bath tub.
But you know what? It has to be done.
Proverbs 31:13 tells us that the Proverbs 31 woman works with willing hands. Willing hands! Those two words speak volumes about her attitude.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. Proverbs 31:13
I don’t know about you but sometimes I struggle with my attitude. Some days I seek to serve myself more than I seek to serve others. Homemaking is a ministry. The word ministry is derived from the word minister.
To minister means: “attend to the needs of someone” – doesn’t that totally sum up homemaking? Every task you perform, every meal you prepare, every dish you wash, every nose you wipe, every kiss you give – you are ministering to the needs of someone you love.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
So, a wise woman builds her home with love and works with willing hands. It’s all about attitude. When you wake up each morning, how do you greet the day? Do you feel frustrated before your feet hit the floor or do you wake up with a smile and a cheerful greeting? Some research suggests that the very act of smiling can make you feel happier!
Of course, no one feels happy all of the time. Life can be challenging, bad things happen, feelings get hurt, and sometimes life is truly hard. But it’s important that we shift our attitude and mindset to one that reflects Jesus. When we think of homemaking – and housekeeping – as a ministry it’s no longer an act of drudgery but an act of worship.
We can embrace our role as homemakers when we realize how special that role really is! Jesus tells us that people will know His followers by their fruits. We should seek to live out the fruits of the spirit in our lives and homes daily.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
A wise woman build her home with an attitude of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Action Steps to Take Today
- Pray and ask God to show you the areas where you are doing well to build up your home.
- Get today’s workbook pages and fill out the questions.
- Remember that your attitude toward homemaking will make a huge difference in how you enjoy your home.
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