The Benevolent Housekeeper

Yesterday's view of part of our property, here in Vermont.

 

In the old days, when it was difficult to travel, relatives might drop in unexpectedly. The family would invite them in and expect their company to stay a few days to visit and rest.  The house was always open to their extended family. This kind of living required a neat and organized home. There must be food in the pantry so one is not taken unprepared. The rooms ought to have regular cleanings and be keep neat. The housekeeper would see to this work daily, as a normal part of life. 

The lady of the house would not be selfish. She did not save the best room for herself.  She would work hard to make the common rooms (of parlour and living room) look inviting and restful for herself but then welcome any one of the family to enjoy them as well. She would not shoo them away, as if she were the only privileged one to enjoy the little nest she had prepared. This was because she worked hard to make all the rooms as nice as she possibly could. She knew others needed rest and quiet moments as much as she did. She did all this, not for herself, but for her family and guests.

She had a spirit of cheerful service. At any moment, a child or adult might need help. She would stop her work and attend to the call. Did one need a snack or drink?  Was one overheated from the summer air and in need of special care? She oversaw all the work of the house. She did not weary herself with overwork, nor did she do it all alone. There was a restful pace and much help from the residents of the home. The main portion of her time was happily spent in playing house and tending the family. Her kind heart and cheering ways brought smiles to those around her. They wanted to be in her house and to come alongside as a help to her. And because of this, she thrived in such a life work! 

She was the tireless worker of the home who found her strength and joy in a close walk with the Lord. She was much loved and dearly appreciated. Her presence helped make the house into a real home.   It is a post, a lot in life, to be a housekeeper on duty. It is a great calling and a much-needed way of life. 

The lady of the house can be on call for the household. She does her daily chores with skill and efficiency. Yet, even though there are flaws in her methods and trials in her day (as it is impossible to get through life without mistakes), she continues on, much like a child learning to walk who falls but keeps getting back up. There is a childlike joy in being home and doing our very best with laughter and peace! She will find joy in serving the home and family. For in this, she serves her precious Father in Heaven. 

There is a sense of benevolence when serving in the home. It is a spirit of goodness in a lady. She is gracious and kind and loving. She is productive and industrious. But the most important part of her character is that in any moment, she is prepared to stop whatever she is doing to help and to serve for the glory of God. 

I will give you an example of this from my own childhood days: My Father was a southern gentleman, a preacher's son, and an Army Veteran.  He liked to see us happy and enjoying our play. We never had to wonder what we would wear, what we would eat, or where we would live. He provided it all. This gave us stability and a great sense of trust and freedom from worry.  He expected us to do our chores, to do as we were told, and to be good children. We read the Bible, went to church, and sang hymns. He led by example. He did all this with a great love. It was from the heart.  Whenever he would call me, I would drop whatever I was doing, as if it wasn't important. I would get right up and say, "Yes, sir?"  I was always ready to serve. 

In like manner, I want to do this for my Heavenly Father. I will go about my days, keeping house, reading books, enjoying the blessings of home and food and family. I will know that at any moment my Lord and Master will call out for me. I must always be listening and watching in case I am needed. When he calls, I want to drop whatever I am doing and gratefully get right up and say, "Yes, sir? What may I do for you?"  How wonderful it would be to live such a dedicated Christian life!

May we seek and strive for the beauty of being known as benevolent housekeepers.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace.

The example of my Parents - Minding my own Housekeeping Business.

Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

- It is an honor to be the bookkeeper for the house! - 

Find detailed instruction and inspiration in budgeting on a small income, along with a method for keeping a handwritten ledger, in Mrs.White's book:

 -An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife. 

 Paperback, 77 pages.