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| Kitchen at the boyhood home of Billy Graham, LOC. |
In the early evening, as I was folding laundry, I was reminded of the work at home my mother used to do. She would be in a pretty duster (or house robe) as she made the bed, folded towels, or swept the floor. She was always doing some act of domestic beauty as she cleaned and tidied throughout the house. She always looked sweet, pretty, and gentle as she worked.
My mother cleaned in such a beautiful way. She was comfortable in her work when she was alone or when she was talking and visiting with her family. She was active and busy about the house washing an abandoned teacup she spotted on the table or polishing a counter. Whatever needed to be done, she was about the business of keeping house lovely.
She would rest, talk on the phone, get dressed up to go out on errands, and water the plants on the porch. She was always interested in whatever interested you. She had the kindest manners of anyone you would ever meet. She welcomed her family and guests and made homemaking look like the most natural and beautiful thing in the world.
Mother did her chores in such a way that it seemed like recreation to her. It was just as if she was knitting, doing embroidery, painting a landscape, or playing the piano. It was an inspiration to spend so many years watching her way and then doing the same in my own home.
In her life, she had many trials and endured much heartache. But she kept the home and her heart in such a calm fashion that everything was always well with her soul. Her Father in heaven was her anchor.
Yesterday, as I peacefully worked about the house, I was trying not to worry about the troubles of extended family, or the concerns of our health and finances. Life is more difficult to bear when you are one of the oldest in the family. My parents are in heaven. I can only find comfort in the dear Lord and in my husband. I pray for peace and trust. And this I receive as I center my thoughts on doing the old-time work of homemaking. I want to continue this work, just as my mother so beautifully demonstrated all of her life.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.
The Reality - Retirement Planning for the Poor.
What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.
A Blessing to Be - Just a Housewife. (With a little history)
Four Generations in the same house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:
Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.
"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"
152 pages, paperback.
11 comments:
What a lovely tribute to your mother. I could envision her doing her work gladly. She was a blessing to her family. Thank you for sharing this.
A beautiful tribute to your mother and a wonderful example for us to follow. Thanks for sharing.
I sometimes feel that weight too, but when I do I remember what my father said to me after my mother-in-law died. He wasn't one for fancy words, but he said "You are the matriarch of that family now". That word, matriarch, conjures up images of a wise older woman, who is strong, loving and caring. I laughed when he said it, but over the years I feel that I have grown into the role and that the very word gives me strength.
Such a wonderful tribute to your caring and lovely mother, Mrs. White. I love that you are carrying on her housekeeping tradition. Blessings!
I think your mother must be so proud of you, looking down from heaven, seeing you carry on her legacy. What a beautiful tribute to her and example to us.
My mother has always been an excellent housekeeper as well. She loved it and it showed. I honestly think she misses it so much now that she is too feeble for it. I know she taught me well. The Devil loves for us to worry. I have done my share recently. I am working hard to stop that.
Beautifully written about your dear mother. I think our moms could have been kindred sisters as almost everything you said about your mother could have been said of mine. I learned sooooo much from her, houskeeping, joy in doing it, and her sweet and gracious spirit and love of her Lord. Oh the blessing to have a godly mother. (and a good housekeeper and cook too)
Mrs. White, as I was reading the description of your mother, I was thinking of you. You demonstrate, through your writing, the same qualities. You bring such a calm, peaceful presence through your stories and it's such a pleasure to come here and know that I will find peace and a gentle spirit in your words and demeanor. Thank you.
I agree with our friend Debbie, Mrs. White. As I read about your lovely mother embracing her vocation of mothering and keeping house, I thought of you. I am inspired by you to emulate the same sense of peace and calm in my home. Thank you!
Such a lovely tribute to your mother. I enjoy taking care of my home in that way as well.
Such lovely memories of your mother, who must have been a very lovely person. I'm sure that you have many of her attributes.
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