To the Struggling Homemaker

Last week I visited my great-aunt, who is 82 years old and is on bed rest for an injured hip. She lives with my great-uncle, who is 92 years old and is in a wheelchair. I had the privilege of helping my great-uncle prepare dinner and clean the kitchen while my great-aunt rested. (Of course, she wanted to help, too, but I insisted that she follow her doctor's orders by getting some rest.) I also enjoyed talking to my great-aunt and keeping her company because I could tell that she was bored with just sitting in bed all day. Even though my great-aunt and great-uncle aren't very wealthy by worldly standards, they're rich in the eyes of God. They've stored up their "treasures" in Heaven by investing in home and family rather than fame and fortune.

You don't have to look far to see that our culture values money more than it values people. Just look at all the toddlers in daycare and the elderly in nursing homes. Instead of putting family first, we run off to work/school/leisure activities and leave our most vulnerable family members in the hands of strangers. Yes, sometimes institutional care really is necessary, but usually it's done out of convenience rather than compassion. The Bible says that it's greatest to be a servant. However, it seems like almost no one wants to be a servant anymore. Homemaking is often looked down upon because it doesn't come with a paycheck. As Christians, we should reject the lie that our worth is measured by our salary. Even though homemakers may come last in modern society, it's important to remember that "the last will be first" in the kingdom of God.

Of course, the goal of homemaking shouldn't be personal recognition. We should, first and foremost, look to glorify God in all that we do. In those moments when you feel completely overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to do everything on your own. Even when you fall short, God will always be sufficient. The world may judge by outward appearances (such as how fancy your house is), but God looks at the heart. Because, you see, you are so much more than a housekeeper. You are a homemaker. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, whether you're single or married, or how many children you have. Making your home a haven is a high calling and a valuable ministry.

"Homemaking is surely in reality the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, mines, cars, governments, etc. exist for except that people may be fed, warmed, and safe in their own homes? The homemaker's job is the one for which all others exist." —C.S. Lewis