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I've gotten into the habit lately of cleaning without cooking. I do dishes and polish the kitchen two or three times a day. I have a little help, but mostly enjoy the work alone, while listening to sermons, or gospel, on my kitchen radio. It is a peaceful, happy time, working in the kitchen. I also keep the other rooms neat and do most of the laundry. I enjoy this work very much.
But if I add cooking the meals to that? It would overwhelm me. My teenagers have taken over the cooking for now. Amy (17) often makes the lunches or suppers. John (15) makes tea, snacks and some of the meals. Matt (19) will occasionally make a meal for us all, but mostly makes himself something easy to eat very quickly, since he is on a busy schedule. Mr. White makes a big breakfast in the early morning hours, each day. Whoever is awake gets to enjoy a hearty meal with him. But we are all mostly asleep at that time!
As the cold weather is approaching our rural Vermont town, I will want to start making beef stew with biscuits, or lasagna and Italian bread. But first I must build up my strength and get some energy. To cook and to clean when one is often weary can be too much!
The other afternoon, I sat in my parlour chair with a nice book. Matthew was in the kitchen making an early dinner. He brought me some ginger-ale. I was delighted! The more rest we mothers get, the more work we are able to do pleasantly.
To do my work in a slow-paced manner, I have to have plenty of helpers. Children and teenagers have a tremendous amount of energy. They can sweep a floor, take out the trash, clean a bathroom, sweep a porch, do dishes, cook meals and many other things very quickly! But I wouldn't want them to do everything. I would feel left out of the fun of housework!
So I rest as much as I can, doing enjoyable things - like reading or watching an old movie. I also love to visit with the family in the parlour. I consider my housework my "breaks" from my "rest." I can spend much more time resting, and doing what I want, if my breaks are the chores. (It's kind of like rushing through doing dishes during a commercial.)
blessings
Mrs. White
In Marriage - When Groceries are the Presents.
Wisdom for Homeschooling - Education Must Not Be Rushed.
When Things Get Really Rough - Make the Mess Look Pretty.
3 comments:
Good Morning, Mrs. White,
I'm so very glad you're feeling better; please continue to rest and take it easy. I've been thinking of you these last couple of days as I've been forced to rest and give my hand a break. The canning and pollen-filled fruits have caused my eczema to flare up horribly, to the point I can no longer do dishes, knit, crochet, and only do very minor, easy housework. As my hard-working husband came home last night from work to be confronted with making dinner, he said with a smile, "Thanks for letting me cook and the boys clean. You wouldn't always have taken it so well." Indeed. There is such joy in serving others, as we as mothers know from a daily basis, so we shouldn't deny others' that joy when we absolutely must rest. Thank you for encouraging us to take the time to heal when we must, and may you have a restful and healing day.
May God bless you,
Shani ♥
It is so nice to have helpers with things around the home. My children are just starting to help out with simple things involved with cooking and they love it! Great post!
I liked the idea of the breaks are the chores. I do believe in children learning to do housework and cook. I had to work outside the home for a few years and during that time they had to take over the house work and cooking. My three oldest boys are great cooks and their wives thank me all the time for that. My last three were girls and I was home with them more; but they also had home responsibilties.
I always enjoy your thought!
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