Titus 2:4-5 is very clear, "...so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored." Yet, this seems to be interpreted so many different ways by so many believers, truly trying to please the Lord with the way they live their lives. Being a homemaker is offensive to some, outdated to others, and to others still it is the greatest joy! There is only one correct interpretation of this verse, and I do believe that to be that a woman's place is in the home...even a working woman with no husband or children should cultivate a love for the home. In the short amount of time I've been a full-time stay at home wife and mom I've had many people say, "It's so nice that you can do that..." Implying that it is a nice option I've been afforded. Praise the Lord, He has provided for me to stay at home without greatly altering our style of living. But my "choice" to stay home with Maggie is something that I am actually called to - not just as a seminary wife, or a future pastor's wife, but as a believer! When family or friends see homemaking as a burden, an unnecessary sacrifice, or even to the other extreme as a luxury, it becomes all too easy to "succumb to worldly thinking rather than viewing my profession as the Bible portrays it - a high calling from God."
In this chapter Carolyn Mahaney writes, "What we need is a biblical perspective. For in God's economy, homemaking is a high and noble calling...By 'working at home' we can present the gospel as attractive to unbelievers. Our homes can actually be a showcase for the gospel!" How awesome and daunting is that! It is my ultimate goal, as a homemaker to create an environment for all who enter to think of Jesus Christ, to be refreshed, encouraged, and happy. Playdates, Bible studies, recipe parties, new neighbors, friends, family, you name it - there are countless opportunities to share the gospel and encourage one another in love and good deeds in the home! And as a wife, that's my job!
Think back to the beginning...why was Eve created in the first place? She was created to be Adam's helper! "We are to be our husband's helper (Gen 1:26-31, 2:7-25; 1 Cor 11:8-9)...She is called to the work of ministering to him. He is oriented to the task, and she is oriented to him." God ordained it to be so in the garden! A huge part of my glorifying God on this earth is to serve my husband, family, and home. Careers, trends, traveling, "me time," etc. are not a part of the plan. Nothing is wrong with many of those things, but the calling is the same for all women. Especially as wives and mothers, our lives should be centered around our husband's and children's needs - everything else can fall into place after that.
Some think that as a stay at home I don't get to exercise my skills or interests. First, I'd say that I actually don't have that many marketable skills :) And secondly, it is a true joy and "skill" to love the home and manage it excellently. I cannot wait for the day, Lord willing, when I am that super organized, cool wife/mom who has the menu ready, the cleaning all scheduled, and the calendar worked out, helpful projects lined up, and her hair done! Maybe I'll never get there, but that is certainly a goal to which I attain. Since staying at home, I've found a new love of cooking (and I am going to post 3 new recipe blogs asap! The Wauhop's have been feasting on some delicious new dishes these past few weeks!). I get so excited each week to plan out my menu and try something new. Ask Robert, I'm always so excited for him to get home and try whatever I've been working on that day.
Honestly, I think that I have got the BEST JOB in the whole wide world! I mean seriously, my child is gorgeous and sweet and so much fun! My husband is the greatest man ever and my very best friend. My house/apartment...well, I'm on my third one in three years and although it's nothing too special, but it's our home and I'm so thankful for it! So much joy can be found in working at home. Working at home is hard and dirty at times, it's tiring, especially when new babies come onto the scene, but I find it to be super rewarding and fulfilling - and even fun! Either way, though, it is what God has called me to do. And in His will there is great joy! So, that's what you'll find in the Wauhop household - great joy! The saying goes, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" and I really think that is pretty true. As the mom, I set the tone for the home. If I begrudgingly do my chores, make the meals, attend to Maggie's schedule, etc - well, home isn't Robert's or anyone's favorite place to be. So, if you struggle with this area, when I struggle in these areas: PRAY, BE THANKFUL, and be in the Word! The Lord is kind to provide the grace to obey and to be delighted to do so!
Ps. 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
P.S. - If you still aren't convinced...listen to this sermon from Johnny Mac!
Love this & love you momma!
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