We have been reading The Yearling, written by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in 1938. In this coming of age story, the Baxter family—Penny, Ora, and twelve-year-old Jody—live a hard life in the Florida scrub region at the turn of the century.
It is November, and the first frost has come to the scrub. The Baxters are in the “front room”, enjoying the first hearth-fire of the year, Penny smoking his pipe, Ora sewing, Jody lying on the floor in front of the fire, daydreaming.
Ma Baxter said, “Now throw a stick on the fire. I cain’t quite see to foller my seams.”
She had cut down a pair of Penny’s winter breeches for Jody.
She said, “Now take another notion to grow like you done this spring, and I’ll be cuttin’ down your breeches to fit your daddy.”
Jody laughed out loud and Penny pretended to be offended. Then his eyes twinkled in the firelight and his thin shoulders shook. Ma Baxter rocked complacently. They were all pleased whenever she made a joke. Her good nature made the same difference in the house as the hearth-fire had made in the chill of the evening.
There it was. That noble idea that inspired me. "Her good nature made the same difference in the house as the hearth-fire had made in the chill of the evening."
I am reminded that a woman's demeanor directly affects those who live in her home. I am reminded that a gentle spirit, encouraging words, an easy grace, a heart that is not easily offended, can warm the home and the hearts who live here. I need that reminder from time to time. I long to make my home a place of rest, a place of comfort, a place of peace, a place of light and warmth whenever possible.
So in another moment with living books, I am stirred.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
(Proverbs 25:24 NIV)
Well said.
ReplyDeleteTammy
Cheryl, this is soooooo moving. I love the excerpt from the book, which I have never read but which you make me long to read. I see the truth of the words so plainly. I loved my mother, but she was pretty much the exact opposite of these words. And that has affected me all my life. To see you live out these words in your own dear family is more beautiful to me than you can imagine. You are such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good reminder. And so, so true! I find that it does no good to simply 'resolve' to be more pleasant and full of grace. It's the Lord's grace that allows me to be gracious to my family and His mercy that keeps me from my self. It's like the saying (though not nearly as eloquently as you put it), "when mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for continuing the discussion with your comments.
ReplyDeleteSarah Jean, what you say is absolutely true...it is ALL grace! (And you are a wise woman to recognize that.)
Frances, I certainly did not mean to imply that I am always that gentle heart and encouraging presence that is my ideal. I guess that's why the words in the passage stood out to me. As recently as this afternoon, I returned from running errands and came home to a situation that kind of annoyed me. :-( My carnal impulse was to react, but the Lord checked me, and reminded me of what He has been teaching me. I held my tongue and we had a most pleasant evening.
I'd love for you to read the book. I so admire the artistry of words, and I consider this author (or at least in this particular work, as I have not read of her other books) to be a true artist. However, you must know that in the passage I quoted, Ora is in an unusually good humor, and that is why her family is so much enjoying the evening spent in front of the fire. Ora is a hard woman, who is fusses, criticizes, and has a sharp tongue. Life has been hard for Ora--she has lost six children before Jody is born, the family is always on the edge of having enough to get by on, they work extremely hard and have constant set-backs--and she has been hardened by it.
And I am grieved when I hear that you lived with a mother who crushed your spirit. And yet I find it so difficult to see the evidence in you...for you are one of the sweetest, most gentle people that I know!
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI was so blessed by this post, I feel the same way about my home, I have always believed that a woman sets the tone in a home. My desire is to make it a haven for my family. I would love to say that I always do but like everyone else I fail from time to time.
Thank you for sharing this. It is so refreshing to find someone who loves God and wants to serve Him by loving and serving her family.
Blessings,
Sue
wonderful inspiration in your post and the comments that follow.
ReplyDelete