Good morning sisters! I am so amazed at the beautiful and heartfelt comments that y'all have left for me on my last post! All of them were so eloquent that they made me quite emotional ... I started writing individual comments back to each of you, but I decided that the subject is so important that it necesitated another post.
The first thing that struck me was how deeply each of you feels about the subject of building your future homes in a God-honoring way. I was amazed and awed to see how seriously each of you has thought and prayed and formed convictions on caring for your homes and raising up the next generation of godly men and women. I believe that this is probably our most important task as Christian women, and I can't tell you what a blessing it is to be surrounded by other women who feel this way!
Another thing that many of you reminded me of was that the "perfect wife and mother" exists in many different forms, and what is perfect for one type of family may not be perfect for another. A small-town construction worker doesn't need the same kind of wife as a college professor, a Western rancher, or an inner-city youth minister. God made me the way I am - introverted, sensitive, naive (childlike?), artistic, a wordcrafter - for a reason and a purpose. If there are a husband and children in that purpose, then I am just the companion he needs, and just the right mother for his children. Even if I know much more about Fred Astaire's childhood than I do about broasting a chicken or sewing a cloth diaper.
But on another tack, homemaking is extremely important, a ministry in and of itself. As such, it requires more than just a skill set; it requires a heart prepared to serve and love others more than myself. I know very well that much of what I dismiss as my "personality" is, in fact, laziness and an unwillingness to do tasks that I don't enjoy.
What several of you said is true, I will have more of a heart for home tasks when I have a husband and family of my own; and in our big family, there's usually someone more domestic who is willing to do laundry while I fix the computer, so my lack of homemaking skills aren't putting anyone out right now. But while I live with my dear parents and wonderful siblings, it's my responsibility to have a servant's heart for every task I must do, whether that involves something natural like installing software, or something more difficult like cleaning the bathroom. I am convicted to pray for grace in this area, and to work harder and be willing to learn.
I am incredibly inspired and encouraged by all of you and your testimonies of grace, servanthood, and beauty. Thank you so much for sharing your hearts with me! What beautiful hearts they are!! :-)
Lots of love,
Vicki
I had to go back and read your previous post because somehow I missed it in my blog reader. Thank you so much for being real and opening up and sharing your thoughts and the truth about your interests, passions, struggles and pursuit of Christ Vicki! Its quite an encouragement and so wonderful to me. I had a whole bunch of thoughts I wanted post earlier, but have waded through them just to say this- I was that little girl who did not want to marry to manage and household, be a mans helpmate and counselor, or raise little children for the glory of God. I was that little girl who wanted to guy who would love me and let me do as I pleased and he would work to earn money for all my wants like make-up and pretty dresses and grand parties. I had this hollywood/disney princess/ fairy tale dream in my head of what married life should be like. I praise God He changed my hearts desire to look like His hearts desire for my life. Therefore I am not fretting or discontent while single and I love my life! I hate the sin in me and the world, but I love the life God has given me through Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Becca