A Woman's Place is in the Home

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  ~Titus 2:4-5

I've been reading my favorite blogs today, and they all came together to remind me what a blessing it is to be a wife and mother.  The card companies can put such a sentimental glow on motherhood, that it almost loses it's meaning.  Those 'in the trenches' know that it isn't all tickle fights, day trips and imparting life's wisdom.  Much of caring for kids and husbands can be drudgery, that's why they call it houseWORK.  But it's oh, so worth it!

Lorie, at Encouragement From My Heart, is sponsoring 31 Days of Prayer for Husbands with a chocolate giveaway.  Her thoughts and the prayers reminded me of the time I felt I was losing my own dear hubby and I prayed so fervently for him to find his way back to God, and to me.  My prayers were answered, and in true God style, so much more abundantly and wonderfully than I would have dared to hope.

Jenn at Fruitful Vine, was feeling guilty about missing quiet time with God, and was encouraged by Daniele's post on Domestic Serenity, challenging us to see everyday activities as chances to get closer to God and meditate on his wonders.  Those blogs reminded me that becoming a Godly wife or mother is truly a sacrifice to God.  It isn't always easy, but it is a sacrifice and dedication that God does truly honor. 

As I finished law school with a kindergartner, newborn and police hubby, I asked the Lord to show me His plan for me.  I tried my hand at public service, but in the end, God's whisper became a shout that my place was at home, raising the kids and supporting my hubby.  It was blow to the ego, a loss of status and a hit to the bank account.  But, everything in my life has lined up with this decision.  Our finances, my parents' health, the kids' education, all ended up moving in ways that confirmed that this was THE plan.  So, folding the laundry is not quite as exciting as arguing points of law.  And there are no promotions or bonuses for a job well done.  That is a struggle.  But I have found that folding laundry and rinsing dishes can be a time of meditation, when I can sing praises to God, or hear His still, small voice.  And, for sure, my time at the drawing desk is very spiritual and meditative.  But so is an evening around the fire pit with the family after a day of exhausting yard work.

I enjoy being a firm foundation and safe haven for the hubby and kids when they come home from their days out in the world.  It brings me joy to nourish their bodies and spirits and prepare them for the struggles of tomorrow.  Submission is such a 'dirty word' to many women, but to me is has been an indescribable blessing, such that I long to be more humble and more selfless each day -- and I have such a long, long way to go! ;0)

Lord, teach me submission.  Help me to humble myself and serve others as You did.  Help me put my plans and dreams in Your hands, and let You work through me to bring You glory and honor.  Amen!

Comments

[Deborah]

Great post!

[Lorie]

HI Jen (((( Hugz My Sistah)))) Thank you sharing your story, and yourself with us. I know your dear Hubby and children are so blessed to have a wife and Mom who is sensative to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I know at the time my call was to stay at home with my children until they went to school, Then after I made sure I had a job that would allow me to be home when they got home from school. Have A Happy Mother's Day" girlfriend!!! Hugz Lorie

[Hadley]

Thanks for that post! It is hard to remember how blessed we are when we feel like we accomplished nothing more than wiping noses and bottoms, fixing 3 meals, and keeping everyone out of the street. Somedays we think the grass must be greener on the other side of the fence where the house is empty from 7-6 and then they all come home, eat dinner, and go to bed. Somedays all we see is the adult conversation they get, the nicer car they drive, the name brand clothes they wear...

hmmm...think may be I have a blog topic started here!

thanks for your post!

[Trish]

Your words here were truly a blessing to me today! Something I really needed to hear...Thanks for being an encouragement!