Tuesday, December 15, 2009

An Older Housewife

American Housewife Marjorie McWeeney Cleaning House and Watching Her Children








I am getting old. I have been cleaning my kitchen all morning. Something that took me 30 minutes years ago, now takes me hours. I have to take several breaks. I lit a nice apple/cinnamon candle. It is glowing on my neatly polished stove. I have hot water ready for a cup of tea. I am worn out. But I am content.

I still have to clean my living room. I know that will take me hours since I need so many breaks. But maybe I will just have Amy (14) do it. She is so young and energetic. It will only take her 10 minutes. What is wrong with me? Am I just old and feeble? (smiles) But I do enjoy cleaning so much and I will just take my time.

I went out early this morning, before the sun came up, to drive Nicole (20) to work. There is so much beautiful snow here and it glistens in the Vermont moonlight. This is an amazing place to live. But, I was so happy to get back home again.

My dear mother (Nana) is a housewife. She lives on the first floor of our house. She works all day long cleaning her home. She loves it as much as I do. But she is worn out too. I try to send Amy downstairs to help with housework, but Nana wants the joy of cleaning. She would rather do it herself, even if it takes all day.

There is great joy and peace to be found in the simple tasks of housewifery. A woman is in her place when she is the keeper of home. This is where her heart is most content and where she is most blessed. It is the ideal godly life for a wife and mother.

May you all have a precious day.

Blessings
Mrs. White

6 comments:

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

"This is where her heart is most content and where she is most blessed."

I agree completely. When I focus on taking care of my family and doing tasks for them, I am content with whatever situation we may be going through at the time. It's when I allow outside tasks to take over that discontent and strife start to creep in.

Joyce Ackley said...

I know what you mean about getting old! I used to be able to zip through my little house in no time at all, keeping it spotlessly clean and tidy and shiny. Now, arthritic knees and inflamed bursa in my hips slow me down. I can't bend, twist, and stretch like I once could. I just do a little at a time, keeping surfaces clean and closet and drawers shut! I light candles, play music, and love my cozy, cheery little place. I'm so grateful for my home. I don't have a family sharing it with me, but it's always open to friends.

Janet said...

"There is great joy and peace to be found in the simple tasks of housewifery. A woman is in her place when she is the keeper of home. This is where her heart is most content and where she is most blessed. It is the ideal godly life for a wife and mother."

I just love this quote! I am a newcomer to your blog, but can already tell that it will become one of my favorites.

Because He Lives! said...

I know you have written some of these post a while ago,but I just want to let you know that I have been blessed and refreshed to have read it.I can identify with most of the things you write about.I have been feeling a little burned out!God knows what we need and your blogs have given me hope to keep go'in! Thank you & God Bless!

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

I have frequent back and hip pain. It slows me down quite a bit. This post encouraged me to just do what I can, rest a bit, then keep going.

I do hope you're feeling better today.

Laura

Rebecca Parker said...

Yesterday, I made a list of things I wanted to get done. Clean the floors and the bathrooms was part of my list. I too am older. I finished the floors with a great sense of accomplishment but I didn't finish the bathrooms. I am not discouraged! Those bathrooms are still here today and will get finished. It just takes longer and the joy that I receive from doing them will still be there. It's nice that just at the time when I'm slowing down, things don't seem to be so imminent. Thank you for your encouraging blog!
Rebecca