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Extra from Volume 8#3 by Maggie Ree

I suppose every little girl dreams of being a homemaker...of being a mommy to her children, of keeping her spaces neat and tidy, of cooking and perhaps hosting tea parties. Yes, it can be interesting to dream and to wonder if a future homemaker’s position is in store, but I think that while we’re at home there are many, many ways that we can prepare for this role while living with our family!

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he states that one of the requirements for older women is that they be “teachers of good things.” They are to“admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” {From Titus 2:4-5} It can be a true joy to discuss things with lady friends – whether it’s about family life, gardening or asking them a question under their area of expertise. There have been many lady friends in my life who have kindly taken the time to talk to me, write me, encourage me and bless me through a friendship. There’s so much that can be learned from these examples of a keeper-at-home!

But—for a daughter at home, there’s an even more special meaning to this passage in Titus. Her important title can be spelled in just seven letters. M-o-t-h-e-r.

Our loving Heavenly Father has provided us with a caring example of a homemaker right in our own household. My mother is so much more than just a mother to me; she is an advisor, encourager, teacher, example and dear friend. My mother does more than practice the “art” of homemaking; she lives it and really does put her heart into being a mommy to her four children. I would like to take a moment to discuss five of the things that I see shining through everyday life with her, and can incorporate into my own life as I prepare to be a homemaker.

Love - Selfless love. Have you ever stopped for a moment in your Bible study time to carefully look at each feature of love found in 1st Corinthians chapter 13? “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Am I suffering long with others? Am I perfectly content with such things as I have {Philippians 4:11-12} and not desiring something that another has? Am I humble in every facet of my life—seeing that my Lord Jesus has accomplished anything in me that is of worth? Do I have a genuine, self-less interest in others and seek to be a friend? Am I seeking things that will benefit me or others? Am I patient with others or am I quick to be provoked with those around me? Do I continually seek the Father’s help and ask Him to set a guard over my thoughts? This is also the kind of love that the homemaker will need to be equipped with, both for her husband and for her children.

Patience - Take a moment to imagine a patient mother. Though her hands are busy with many pressing tasks, she takes the time to admire something her child has done or to patiently teach him. Have you ever seen a little girl “help” her mother in the kitchen? Though this may sound cute, I imagine that a mother would need a great deal of patience to deal with these everyday problems. Pray that He would give you strength to handle situations calmly and patiently and then practice daily with your family! “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect, lacking nothing.” {James 1:4}

Cheerfulness - Have you ever paused to consider how much mothers do and how little free time they have to themselves, to do their projects? There are probably many times that she would rather be doing something else, but she willingly and cheerfully serves her family. I think that this cheerful joy can be based in contentment. If we are truly happy with and submitting to the work that the Lord has entrusted to us, we are going to exude certain cheerfulness. {Colossians 3:23-24}

Diligent Worker - “She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.” {Proverbs 31:21} Are we, as young, Christian ladies, seeking to use our time to serve others and to provide for the needs of others? It can be easy to let my hobbies, interests and projects use up time that could be spent in serving others. Making good use of my time is a wonderful practice and it’s also important to remember that our life is really not our own; we are the Lord’s! “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves to God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” {Romans 6:22}

Willingness to share her spiritual journey - “She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.” {Proverbs 31:26} Having heart-to-heart talks with my mommy is truly a beautiful thing and it can be great to have that encouragement. Are you ready and open to talking to a sibling or friend about what the Lord has been teaching you? May we pray, as did the disciples of Jesus {Acts 4:29}, that He would give us great boldness to share what He has taught us with others!

I encourage you, daughter, embrace the life that He has called you to as a homemaker-in-training, by learning from your mother! “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.” {Proverbs 1:8-9}

Maggie lives with her family and desires to grow in her Savior and serve her family.

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