What does Homemaking mean?
- It simply means management of a home.
- It can also be described as the act of overseeing the organizational, day-to-day operations of a house or estate, and the managing of other domestic concerns.
Who is a Homemaker?
This refers to the person who is in charge of homemaking. In most cases, the homemaker is a woman.
Why is Homemaking Important?
C.S. Lewis said:
“I think I can understand that feeling about a housewife’s work being like that of Sisyphus (who was the stone rolling gentleman). But it is surely in reality the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, miners, cars, government etc exist for except that people may be fed, warmed, and safe in their own homes? As Dr. Johnson said, “To be happy at home is the end of all human endeavour”. We wage war in order to have peace, we work in order to have leisure, we produce food in order to eat it. So your job is the one for which all others exist…”
The experience of being a homemaker is a very endearing and special experience. Being able to observe the family, discover balance, and having the responsibility to care and love for a family is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in life.
Insights On the Characteristics of a good Homemaker from Proverbs 31
She Operates in the fear of The Lord
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of the wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised (Proverbs 31:30). A good housewife (Homemaker) fears the Lord and runs the affairs of her home properly.
She Honors Her Husband
The heart of her husband trusts her….She does him good and not evil all the days of her life (Proverbs 31:11-12). She has earned the trust of her husband. He feels safe with her because she does him good and not evil all the days of her life. He doesn’t mind being vulnerable with her. Whether in weakness or strength, she is very accepting of him, and willing to support him; and that creates a warm atmosphere in the home.
She Is Enterprising
This woman is not lazy, but skillful, enterprising and seeks to have several streams of income. Proverbs 31 woman seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits, she plants a vineyard (Proverbs 31:16). Like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchant (Proverbs 31:13-14, 31:24). She is an investor; keeping savings for the rainy day.
A Great Manager
This woman is an early bird; wakes up early to attend to the general needs of her family…food and all. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants (Proverbs 31:15). However, she is not a superwoman!, Her maidservants assist her with her chores and she is committed to making sure that her assistants are all properly taken care of. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27. Being fully involved in the domestic operations in her household, keeps her fully aware of its state of affairs.
She Is an epitome of Godly Strength
She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. Strength and honor are her clothing (Proverbs 31:17, 31:25). She girds herself with strength; strong, courageous, honorable, with integrity, describes her.
She is Generous
She is not stingy, no, she is generous and kind-hearted…even to the poor and it doesn’t matter whether she knows them or not. Reaching out her hands to the needy brings her great joy (Proverbs 31:20).
She sets her Own Definition of ‘Classy’ and ‘Trendy‘
She is fashionable and stylish; always carefully selecting her garments. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple (Proverbs 31:22). She doesn’t talk carelessly, only speaking when necessary…and she only speaks words of wisdom. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26. Also committed to using her time wisely.
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Thank you Dayo for this great piece. As I read through it, I realize that indeed I am work in progress. Maybe everyone really is. That is why we have the Word of God; to build us into the right image as we continually look into it. I am surely going to read this many more times.
Friends, remember you can now publish on Grace Obomanu Blog (under the Christian Life Saving Skills Category). Simply email your articles to graceobomanu@gmail.com. Together we are making known the Beauty and Benefits of our Belief, thereby giving others the opportunity to believe too. That is what the Father’s Business is all about.
Love Alway
Grace Obomanu. ❤