Make an Effort

Rainy Day: View of the front grounds, under the umbrella, at Mrs. White's House.

There is so much beauty in nature and in our homes. There is a sense of calming serenity when we are peaceful, taking things as they come. But sometimes we get overwhelmed and this might make us weary. One morning I had to tell myself to "make an effort!"  I needed to get up and get to work. There is always much to do for those who are willing to stand ready to do the labor.

We must not let the common trials and stresses of life make us sick. It takes effort to overcome hardship.  The great duty of our day is to calmly walk forward bringing cheer to others. We ought to be in the business of spreading joy and creating lovely things around us. This makes home a happy place.

We've had some very hot days which required fans and an air conditioner. We had to avoid heat exhaustion while staying cool and hydrated.  The following week we had a great deal of rain and cold weather. We had to get a fire going in the wood stove to keep warm!  When we are too hot or too cold it is difficult to function. In the midst of all this, I was waiting for a call. Each day, I stayed near a phone waiting for it to ring.  I kept busy with housework, taking care of grandbabies, and listening to the comfort of old time sermons and hymns on the kitchen radio.  We waited for weeks until the call came through, which brought a sense of relief.  The stress and pressure of wondering was gone. We could then walk forward and continue on the path before us.

Each day, as I waited for that call, it reminded me of listening to church bells each Sunday morning, as the community is reminded it is time for the services.  This is like a pause from all we are doing. We lay down our work, turn in the direction of the bell, and think of Heavenly matters. Some day that sound of the church bell will be replaced with the summons to our Heavenly rest. It could come at any time.

As we walk through the storm clouds of life, trying to get by, trying our best to just make it, we ought to remember to pray and wait for the Lord to work in our lives. We must not sit idle waiting for phone calls or do nothing as we wait for the church bells to ring. No matter what we face, we have to keep making an effort. We have to occupy our time, doing the Master's work.  We are not responsible for the results of those efforts. The precious Lord will do the rest.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Ideas to minimize stress - Peace be Upon this House. 

 A Precious Lifetime of Duty at home at - The Mission House.  

Ration Books from 1942 and helpful advice - Adapting to the High Cost of Living.

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking."

Find stories of home life, with photographs of my home, in this encouraging book. 

 Paperback, 200 pages. 

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