Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Do We Really Care About our Homes?

Sunken Garden, Kensington Gardens, London, England, United Kingdom





I've seen beautiful estates, with lush landscapes. They show pride of ownership. They show a distinction and an honor for "home."

There are those of humble means who have a sense of pride for where they live. They do their work each day, to keep things clean and neat.  (Even Ma Ingalls swept the dirt floor of the soddy house.)

I don't understand why society encourages people, in this day, to be casual with their chores. They encourage them to have messy, "lived-in" homes, and laugh at piles of dishes.  Unless there is illness of the caretakers in that residence, it shows they don't care about their home.

If we really cared about our homes, we would make sure we did our laundry and our sweeping and our dusting and our washing. We would do our dishes and clean our kitchen counters. 

I wonder if this has to do with the abundance in American culture. When we are overwhelmed with "too much," we tend to do "too little."  If we have too  many distractions, or too many possessions, it can be crippling. The abundance must be dealt with, so that we can focus on the problem, and then the solution.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Remembering- Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

I don't want to know - Mother's Rose - Colored Glasses.

For the Very Hard Times - Mother's Hope.



11 comments:

Angie said...

Amen sister! I hate to say it but I fall in that category too--just so much..stuff...really hard to get to the deep clean for all the "stuff".

Helen said...

Now that we have closed our pie shop, I cannot tell you how much I look forward to cleaning my home. I used to have an orderly, clean and well decorated home and garden and it has declined during the three years in business. I am busy nowadays in sorting and getting rid of a lot of things. Home had become a dumping ground. But.. no more! Can't wait until it is all clean and organised again. Can't wait!!

Deanna said...

Sweet Winter Blessings to you.
Beautiful picture!

It seems like an on going process for me to thin out and get more organized.

God bless,
d

Rhonda said...

what I find amusing about many kitchens in new homes - the huge kitchens with professional size appliances - is that the people that build or buy these fancy homes eat most of their meals away from home.
Why do they need huge kitchens when they don't cook?

Somehow I have managed to keep my family feed for 30+ years in simple modest kitchens, some of my kitchens have been very modest too. :)

Anonymous said...

as usual i loved it!!
i have something for you http://www.agodlyhomemaker.com/2012/01/thank-you.html

Jessica Dimas said...

I think you're completely right about the abundance in our society that causes people to not care for their homes like they should. I know for myself that I can feel overwhelmed at times with the amount of things I see around me. We have a big family and everyone keeps giving my baby toys, and now I feel so overwhelmed by how many he has that I just shut the door to his play room so I don't have to see the mess! I'm working on getting some shelves and a toy box in there when I have the money, but I can relate to that feeling.

It's true though, whenever I walk into a home that hasn't been cleaned and you can even smell the mustiness, it definitely doesn't give the impression that the owners take any pride or care to make you feel welcome.

SallyAnn said...

I have been reading your posts now for about a month and have enjoyed them so much. They have ministered to me I think. I love all things home and even though I help others clean their homes my is a disaster area even though I really don't want it to be that way. Today's post hit the nail right on the head for me. I wanted to shout "THAT'S IT". Thank you so much for taking the time to write for us. You are truly a blessing and I will continue to read your posts. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your family.

Anonymous said...

God has used you to help me, it is true I always used the excuse we live here( which came from my mother our house was always messy) but I do not want that I want a clean and wonderful home. Thank you for posting this it holds many many truths.

Marnie said...

Your post struck me with a great deal of guilt. I homeschool 7 children, five are nine and under, with a toddler and two teens. I schedule furiously and allow for laundry, cooking three meals from scratch, homeschooling, paying bills, and occasionally a shower. I try to exercise and have daily devotional time. In order to keep school and everything else on track, my house ends up a mess and I am in tears. I require my kids to help, but with so many bodies in a 7 bedroom farm house built in 1832, stuff just gets neglected.
Any suggestions? I value your wisdom!

Mrs. White said...

There is always going to be so much to do each day, to maintain a clean home. I know it is difficult and didn't mean to make anyone feel bad. (sad face)

Marnie,

I looked in the archives and found something that might help encourage you. It was written a couple of years ago, when I was having a very difficult time with the housework. It is -

How I Reorganized My Life at Home and Stopped Weeping from the Burden.

I hope this helps!

blessings
Mrs. White

Marnie said...

Thank you so much! Please don't think you made me feel bad, it was my own self not allowing God to work through me, and Satan telling me not to seek wisdom from others. I have set aside time this afternoon to do a bit of studying on the resources you have given me. You and your health are in my prayers.
Marnie