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HOUSEWORK WON'T KILL YOU
by willetta pilcher It seems that a number of ladies live by the motto "Housework won't kill you but why take the chance." Why indeed should a lady take the chance on housework killing her? It is much more fun to watch TV, yell at the kids rather than get up and see to their needs, talk on the phone, read a book, visit friends, go shopping and the list could go on. The problem often springs out of the notion that mother's seem to have in our society, that children and teenagers should have life easy. They should not have to pick up after themselves or help with household tasks. And they should never be disappointed. There is plenty of time later for them with to deal those things. Now is the time for them to enjoy life and have fun. The problem that arises from that notion is that upon becoming an adult they still have the notion that they are entitled to a life of "fun." They seem to feel that they are entitled to be lazy. That life is all about them, their wants, and their needs. Other people... well they are supposed to give them what they want, the way they want it, and with no effort on their part. I'm sorry but life doesn't work that way. What we have are a bunch of young adults who do not want to work, who make no effort to solve their own problems, and who refuse to take the responsibilities of adult life. They are self centered and full of self pity. Those are judgmental statements I suppose but it doesn't do away with the fact that this society and parents are creating and fostering this notion and the kids love it. If you haven't been responsible for such creations in your home, consider yourself very fortunate and out of the norm in twentieth century living. How many times over the last few years have I been in homes that looked more like a cyclone had gone through than a neat home that resembled some kind of order. I'm not talking about picture perfect homes such as magazines and TV promote. I'm talking about a home that shows it has been cared for reasonably well. I remember going into one house while I was in sales where total disaster reigned. This family had six children and they lived in a relatively small house for that size family. However, I am sure it was all they could afford and there is nothing wrong with that. Remember, our ancestors raised very large families in two rooms. The children were all in school except for the youngest. The sight that came to my eyes was unbelievable. Follow me through the process of entering the house. The outside of the house was neat, suggesting that the husband cared about the yard appearance. A side door was off of the driveway so I knocked and was invited in without a hint of apology because of the condition of the house inside. The first thing that greeted my nostrils was the smell of dirty, wet diapers. To my left was a box of sorts that had a full day or two or three of diapers hanging over the sides. As we entered the kitchen I could hardly believe my eyes. Dirty dishes lined the cabinets, table, and believe it or not there were some pots and pans under the table. As we progressed to the living room I was able to glance into bedrooms that had clothes on the floor, hanging out dresser drawers, and beds that were in shambles. The living room was a sight to behold. Clothes and toys were strewn everywhere. In fact the only clean place in the whole room was a spot big enough for one person to sit. In front of that spot on the couch was a large television with a soap opera playing. The mother scooped out a spot for me to sit and proceeded to tell me how she needed to find a job. That mother had a job that she was seriously neglecting. Dish-washing, laundry, pick-up, and housecleaning all awaited her. But that was work in which she was not interested. I'm sure she thought if she could go to work at some glamorous job that her house would suddenly look like the ones being portrayed on the television screen. Housework is not necessarily fun especially when you have six children. Believe me I know. We had six. My house did not always look like a picture but it never looked like that one even when I was sick. I know my critique of the above home sounds exaggerated but it honestly was that bad. Look in most teenager rooms these days and you will find the same kind of chaos. Our four boys slept in the same room with only a pathway between their beds and across the foot of their beds to the closet. The reaction of some people was shock that they all had to be in the same room. "How can they get in their room," was a question often asked. Why not? Why should the boys room be in a shamble? They can learn to hang up their clothes and put their things away. Oh, yes, Mom's and Dad's have to teach and enforce that kind of action. That's what Mom's and Dad's are supposed to do. Model, teach, and enforce until the children are able to do it on their own. That is the way you raise responsible children. Proverbs 31 lists many ways that Mom's need to consider. It isn't a role for sissies. Old fashioned, you say, not really. There are plenty of Mom's who take their role very seriously and they do a great job. Many of them work outside the home just like the lady in Proverbs 31 and they do it with class. Housework won't kill you. In fact it has many benefits. A well ordered home, a family that is proud to bring their friends over, obedient children and children who can move into adulthood without having to be pushed and prodded into action. Children who are ready to make it on their own and who take responsibility for their lives. The Wife of Noble Character Pr 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Pr 31:11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Pr 31:12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Pr 31:13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Pr 31:14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. Pr 31:15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. Pr 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. Pr 31:17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Pr 31:18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. Pr 31:19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. Pr 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Pr 31:21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. Pr 31:22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Pr 31:23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. Pr 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. Pr 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Pr 31:26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Pr 31:27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Pr 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Pr 31:29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Pr 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Pr 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise m at the city gate. Willetta has spent most of her life ministering to people. In her late seventies, and a wheelchair now her mode of travel, she now ministers to people through the internet. Her webs are... www.teachmethyways.org www.successwithkids.org www.theseedsower.org Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |