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| Flowers at the hospital on our recent trip. |
When my children were younger, I was often sick and in need of help. There was always pain for me to deal with and my health was fragile. This turned out to be a blessing because it required me to teach the children how to keep house. On my bad days, I would say to one of them, "Would you make the dinner?" It was spaghetti, or mashed potatoes with chicken, pizza, or one of our usual meals. I would be resting on the couch or in bed and they would keep coming to me with questions. They would say things like, "how long do I cook the potatoes?" or, "How much milk do I add as I mash the potatoes?" We would discuss the menu and decide on the accompanying vegetables that were to be served. Over time, the children learned how to make many meals and run a kitchen. It was not long before they wanted to cook on their own. During lean years, when there was not much money, the children became inventive with the available ingredients to come up with basic recipes of their own. Yet, somehow, the children felt privileged for such a responsibility. They were thankful to be skilled in such important work. All this was experienced because of times of hardship.
This is now happening with grandchildren. I am often in pain or struggling with health difficulties. When the grandchildren visit, they help me. They set the table; they help me cook or bake. They help serve. They even help with the sweeping and dishes. These are common things to do in the home, when everyone helps with the work of taking care of the family. It is a blessing!
On a recent medical trip, I noticed a beautiful floral arrangement at the reception desk of the hospital. It brightened our day. It cheered us up. It made us smile. This reminded me of how special it is to have fresh flowers at home. It is part of homemaking. When we bring cheer and beauty to the home, we are helping to make it a special place.
When we add to all this labor of home another essential aspect it makes everything wonderful. This element is kindness. It is goodness. It is treating others with good manners and a love of happiness. Do good to the family. Keep smiling. Stay calm. In this way, we can pass on, to the younger generation, a cheerful spirit as a precious part of the practical work of homemaking.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
The Way it Was - Caring for the Family at Home - A Comforting Sick Room.
Remembering - Old Time Kitchens.
A Godly Mother is the Hostess at - The Mission House.
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
Help For Homeschooling:
Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White
Paperback, 112 pages
As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool.
6 comments:
I love that you taught your children such useful life skills as they were growing up and now, passing those same skill sets to your grandchildren, Mrs. White. You are such a blessing to them!
Dear Mrs. white, your articles are always such an encouragement!
From your friend in AL ,
Marianne
How lovely those flowers are. They bring a little spring of hope with them
Isn't it amazing how the Lord can use trials in our lives to bring glory to Him and in your case, teach your children wonderful and needful life lessons. I was fortunate enough to have a mom that taught me to cook and clean at an early age. And what sweet conversations on just how much or how to do a certain task. You have a precious attitude and all you do. The flowers are lovely. Your posts are always inspiring. Love and Hugs
So many people don't let their kids help because they are afraid that they will mess up, yet they like to help and that is the way they learn. They also like to help take care of those they love, just like Mum and Dad take care of them.
Praying for you and your family, sweet Mrs. White. I remember seeing my Mother cook, but she wouldn't let me actually cook, so, when I grew up, I had to learn from other people and I tried to replicate what I saw her doing.
But I wish she would have let me help her by actually making the meals.
Have a blessed weekend!
:)
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