The Help Club for MomsНамуна

Spirit-Filled Homemaking

By Rachel Jones

Whether you work outside the home or stay home full-time, you are a homemaker. All women have been called by God to make the place where their family lives a home. Making our house a home is hard work, and I am currently in the trenches with you ladies. My days are mostly spent in the kitchen and laundry room; it seems my children never stop eating or making messes!

A few years ago, I worked part-time outside of the house. I remember feeling behind in my housework constantly, and I felt so bad when I could not complete the “extras,” such as having warm banana bread on the counter or perfectly organized closets and pantry. But why was I feeling bad? My husband didn’t care, and I was putting so much unnecessary guilt on myself that it took away from my happiness when I was home.

I am thankful for that season because it gave me such a great perspective on homemaking. Dear mama, homemaking is so much more than maintaining a clean house and cooking meals. Homemaking is about nurturing a spirit of warmth, comfort, and love in our homes. As the book of Proverbs says, “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (31:27 ESV). We all need to “look well” to our homes and feel amazing pride when we think of them. What brings me comfort and fills my heart with peace and contentment is the Holy Spirit. Without His presence, I would be floundering without purpose or direction.

A woman’s spirit affects her whole house. We all have the power to instill peace, love, and joy in our homes. We also have a fantastic opportunity to encourage our husbands and children to become closer to the Lord. What we say is extremely influential, and our moods can dramatically affect the flow of the home. Proverbs 21:9 (ISV) says, “It’s better to live in a corner on the roof than to share a house with a contentious woman.” Wow! I do not want my husband or kids ever to feel that way, and I am sure you would all agree with me. However, all too often, I lose my temper or challenge my husband in front of our kids, which absolutely destroys the peacefulness of our home.

My prayer for you is to see the incredible honor it is to have a home.

God has gifted you with one of His best blessings—a family to love and care for and to guide toward Him. During those especially exhausting moments, simply look at your kids. By genuinely looking at those beautiful children, who cherish every moment in their mama’s presence, you will quickly be reminded of what’s essential. Focus less on what is on the table and more on who is around the table. Focus on the legacy you hope to leave. That legacy starts today with your mindset on the Lord! Every household is so vastly different. Do not look to others and make comparisons. You are the best wife for your husband, and you are the best mom for your children.