Laments of a Housewife

Hello again! I was thinking that I would add a new post once a week, but at the behest of my hubby, I am creating another post already!

I would like to address housewives everywhere. I am one, not because my husband wanted me to be, but rather the state of our economy has forced me into this profession. I have struggled to break the mindset that my worth is based upon the amount of money that I contribute to our household income, a notion that has been around since before I was born. I have been to numerous interviews, sent out even more resumes and applications, but the good Lord has seen fit to enlist my services at home at present. I really don't think there are too many more professions that could be considered as noble as housewifery; one could argue that a doctor or nurse, firefighter or police officer would be just as important, and they would not be wrong. However, I believe that being a housewife is also a calling from God. Perhaps I should clarify: being a good housewife is a calling from God. It may not be what you planned to do with your life, and I certainly did not think it would be where I ended up five years out of college, but sometimes we are called to do things that don't fit into our plans. The great thing is, though, that God knows better than we do what we can and should do! I have found great satisfaction in keeping house, and I would have never expected that. It's wonderful to be able to care for the people you love most. I have found that I like cooking (and I like baking even more!) and that it's nice to have a clean house that I can be proud of. I truly love being able to take care of my husband at home the way that he takes care of me when he goes to work to provide for us each day. I am thankful for the husband I have and for the life he provides for me.

For some, being a housewife and mother has always been their plan. For others, it's a dream that they hope to attain someday. There are also those who don't want any part of that lifestyle. For those who choose to be stay-at-home moms, the reward couldn't possibly be greater--your children grow up knowing you! Not only that, but you are also blessed with the opportunity to watch your children grow up and (hopefully) become respectable adults. That time is certainly precious and short-lived. In a day and age that exalts feminism and liberal ideas and morals, and really looks down on those who choose to stay at home, be there for their husbands and raise their children, I salute you! You should be eating chocolate and celebrating your bravery!

Although my path has not always been clear, I can always find comfort in the following verses from Psalm 46: "¹ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea...¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. ¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

First Post Ever

Well, this is my first post. It's a little daunting, having an entire blank screen and no organized thoughts! What should I write about?

It's a gloomy, rainy morning here in Northwest Ohio, but the rain is much-needed here. It's a blessing, but it makes me want to sleep all day. I can't do that, though--I have to travel back in time today! I volunteer at a historic farm here in town, and we have a program this afternoon. The farm house is open for people to come through and talk with the volunteers there, all of whom are in first person (meaning that we are playing the part of someone who actually existed in the settlement at this time in history), and answer questions about life back in the mid-1800s. It's so enjoyable, and very educational as well. Although life was much harder back then, it was also so much less complicated than it is today.

I have been staying busy with my small garden in our back yard. Since late March, I have planted radishes, onions, peas, green beans, asparagus, iceberg lettuce, three different kinds of tomatoes, three different kinds of peppers, and oregano and basil. This is my first time gardening, and it's been a lot of fun. There's something so great about working the soil, planting all of those little seeds, and watching them grow into something that we can use and live off of...it's extremely satisfying. I admit that I have a lot to learn--my radishes were very small, and so were my onions. I think I cross-pollinated my green and serrano peppers, because the green peppers have stayed small and the serranos are small, round, and turning red! It's a new breed, I think! I have also had to pull out my peas, because a young bunny was taking up residence in the pea patch. He was cute, but he destroyed my peas. Oh well, as long as you learn from mistakes, then they are not mistakes at all. Someday, I hope that we will live out in the country and have a much bigger garden, and that I will be able to grow enough to preserve and last us until the next growing season. And I think I'll get a dog to chase the rabbits away!

Speaking of seeds, here is a Bible verse about the power of faith: "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."--Matthew 17:20