The Quiet Kindness of a Titus 2 Mother

Going to Church, 1853 by George Henry Durrie

Life was much slower in the early part of the last century. Home was the central focus of the family. Its foundation rested on the beauty of faith and trust in God. There was a great love for the Bible and a feeling of joy and peace in our churches.  

Young mothers learned to take care of a home and a family, by observation of their own relatives and neighbors.  It was common to bake bread and make homemade meals because there were no convenience foods readily available as there are today.  It was considered a necessity to garden and prepare nutritious meals to feed the family.  Mothers learned to do these things by helping in their own childhood homes. It was natural to take these skills into homes of their own.

The art of sewing, mending, embroidery, knitting and other homemaking skills were lovely ways to pass the time sitting with the family, or with guests, working out of a"work basket." Mothers were being productive with pleasant chores while accomplishing necessary home - work.  Little ones, as they sat nearby, learned these skills and began sewing and such because this was an important part of taking care of one's things.  When they became Mothers, the work of repairing tears in clothing or of knitting a scarf were easily done because they had accomplished these skills by working at these chores in their childhood homes.

The care of children, and the getting along with family, were daily lessons as one lived together in a home.  The Ten Commandments were taught and practiced. Prayers, kindness, forgiveness, patience, and other virtues were modeled by Mothers and Grandmothers.  Church attendance and charity work, done with a happy heart, helped form sweet characters and good hearts.  Manners were expected to be used, both at home, and in public.  This helped young girls to grow up to be peacemakers. They were able to encourage and teach pleasant interaction with those in their own homes.

A peaceful heart creates a quiet contentment in the soul. When this is cultivated in a Mother, over many years, she becomes the unknowing example to the young Mothers around her. 

 The love of home, of being home, becomes evident when one realizes how dearly much the family needs a place of cleanliness, rest, peace, and beauty.  The old time Mother will do the daily work of welcoming the family and guests, and make them feel comfortable and safe.  She helps provide them with rest and nourishing food so they can do their own work.  She cares for the children with a devoted love - rich with good will. She schedules her day with order by appointing times for meals, chores, baths, study, prayers, and rest. The family is blessed by this example.

Her quiet service is one of tenderness, understanding, patience, and a willingness to labor at a gentle pace. This protects her health and her nerves.This makes her a joy to be around. She is able to cheer others along because she does not rush or allow herself to take on more work than one can manage with calmness. 

The Titus 2 Mother teaches the young Mothers a love of home and family. She does this with a gracious spirit, kind deeds, and loving encouragement.  Through her quiet example, others are inspired to take care of husband, children, and home with a precious and enduring devotion. 

A Mother's work of homemaking is noble and worth more than the costliest ruby.  May we endeavor to find joy in this labor. This is a work of benevolence that will bless the generations that follow. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives-

Precious Homemaking - A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont. 

Blessed by the Work - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker. 

Teaching Grandchildren - Tea Time - The Importance of Formal Ceremony at Home.

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

  For Encouragement in Christian Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, "Homemaking For Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home."

In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

Entries are arranged by season, and include:  "Keeping a Frugal Kitchen;" "Missing the Lilacs;" "An Evening Walk in the Garden;" "At Grandmother's House;" and "Chores for Grandchildren."

You will also find a few photographs showing a little of the local landscape.

Paperback, 307 pages.