In Honor of Home

Tomorrow the moving truck comes to take our things to the new house (CJ and I will be staying here until renovations are completed on our room). In Feminine Appeal, in my chapter on “The Honor of Working at Home” I reflected upon the memories of living in this home and being a homemaker. These thoughts seem especially appropriate to post today.

“The Best Job in the World”

When I reflect upon my past twenty-nine years as a homemaker, a virtual collage of memories floods my mind: Family Night every Monday. Reading with my husband by the fire. Tucking my children into bed at night with a song and a prayer. Waking them up for a surprise “pajama ride” to Dunkin Donuts. Reading Little House on the Prairie to my daughters or Paddington Bear to my little boy.

Counseling a newlywed couple through their first disagreement. Evenings of fellowship, food, and laughter with friends. Throwing a baby shower for my unsaved neighbor. Extending hospitality to overnight guests. Praying with other women in my living room.

Long talks with C.J. over a cup of coffee. Enjoying sweet forgiveness after resolving a family conflict. Extended family dinnertime conversations. Sharing with our children the good news of Jesus Christ.

And I’ll never forget this memory: I was standing at my kitchen sink, washing the breakfast dishes when Chad entered the room. Only four years old at the time, he began running in little-boy circles in front of the refrigerator. He was singing a song he’d made up, and it went like this: “You’re the best mommy in the whole world! You’re the best mommy in the whole world!”

Though his song had only this one refrain, he continued singing for a full five minutes. I stood there with the dirty dishes, watching my son and thinking. I have the BEST JOB in the whole world!

I hope, my fellow homemakers, that you agree!