Cindy of Ordo Amoris is hosting a book club discussing The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. Cindy has hosted other book clubs from time to time, and, although I read along, I have never been inclined to join in the discussion. The participants are cerebral and articulate, and I consider myself neither. This book, however, has drawn me in, for homemaking is a subject that is near to my heart.
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Since my earliest memory, I have wanted to be a homemaker.
I toyed with the idea of being a teacher, a writer, a psychiatrist (!). But I always knew that when I was married and had children, I would be a full time homemaker.
For me, creating a rich, beautiful, and welcoming home environment is the best job there is. And I believe that it is a job that has investments in the eternal realm. Serving as a helpmeet, discipling my children, opening my home for ministry and fellowship...all are ways to use my home to serve my Lord. Giving attention to detail, purposefully designing its environment, setting the tone...all support that service. The Hidden Art of Homemaking validates the idea that homemaking is important, and that it requires creativity to do it well.
One must only take a perfunctory glance at nature to realize that there is a Designer, a Master Creator. In Chapter 1 of The Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer describes our Creator as "The First Artist." And God has created human beings, made in His image, with the capacity and desire for creativity. We draw. We sew. We sing. We invent. We plan a menu. We set a pretty table. We build a table. We write. We solve problems. And we use creativity in all of those endeavors, and in countless others. Our creations are paltry compared to our own Creator's, but in creating, we are reflecting just a bit of His nature.
Eric Liddell, missionary and Olympic runner, was said to have stated, "When I run, I feel His pleasure."
I adapt his words to express my own sentiment, "When I make a home, I feel His pleasure."
One must only take a perfunctory glance at nature to realize that there is a Designer, a Master Creator. In Chapter 1 of The Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer describes our Creator as "The First Artist." And God has created human beings, made in His image, with the capacity and desire for creativity. We draw. We sew. We sing. We invent. We plan a menu. We set a pretty table. We build a table. We write. We solve problems. And we use creativity in all of those endeavors, and in countless others. Our creations are paltry compared to our own Creator's, but in creating, we are reflecting just a bit of His nature.
Eric Liddell, missionary and Olympic runner, was said to have stated, "When I run, I feel His pleasure."
I adapt his words to express my own sentiment, "When I make a home, I feel His pleasure."
I DO love this book - and mine looks exactly like yours....Don't know if I have time to do one more thing via internet....but this one is VERY tempting :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
How intriguing! It's unlikely that I'd join in the discussion either; however, since Hidden Art...sits right in my stack of books to be perused often (I can see it right here now...it is on the bottom of the stack, though. I'm displaying it for the yellow color of the cover because yellow is my favorite color and I use it so seldom...my, I do prattle on...) I'd love to see what others are saying.
ReplyDeleteI have a dear pastor who preaches in direct opposition to this concept and often so my head gets a lot muddled about it. Like you, my greatest joy is creating a sense of haven for me and John and anyone who shows up. Still, there are many limitations to my haven...many...and it is not ideal for hospitality. Guests have nowhere to sit comfortably, nowhere to find a place at the small table, the bathroom is a disgrace, and on and on it goes. Sigh. I'm like the farmer's wife who becomes disgruntled with what she has until the farmer moves in the chicken, the goat, the sheep, the cow...
Thanks for the link. I will take a look.
Now why did I say all that stuff? Now you know that I've discovered a big old "ouch" already. Say "amen" or "oh me." Guess we all know where I am. Ha! Point well taken...
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I want to read this book. As a single woman, I do love all things about hearth and home, having friends and family over to share a meal, always have, always will. This was before I understood about Proverbs 31. I am going to visit those links, thanks so much for sharing. xo
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
ReplyDeleteI read this book after many years of reading and being inspired by Emilie Barnes.
They both inspire me to Keep my home, to make it with it's limitations, a place of beauty and haven.
Deanna
I read this years ago, maybe I should pull it out and read it again. I totally agree with your last sentence. Interesting that my friend called me just last night to tell me all about Edith's memorial service that she went to on Thursday. It was filled with music,not surprising! My friend spent a good deal of time at L'Abri when she was young.
ReplyDelete"When I make a home, I feel His pleasure."
ReplyDeleteI like that turn of phrase! :-)
How I've enjoyed reading the various responses to chapter one! I agree -- Schaeffer is saying that making a home, making it well, has eternal ramifications. It is an eternal activity. It's interesting to think that homemaking can be done WELL. That means it can also be done poorly. So many women these days balk at the idea that anyone could assess how someone keeps a home, that there is a bad way to do it. I'm wondering what Schaeffer would say. This book really gives us things to ponder about!
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and looking at your family. I also am always thanking my husband for allowing me the joy of being a homemaker. It has been a lovely life.