At the Well - An Efficient Homeworker

Be An Efficient Homeworker

How's that for a topic to get things energized for a new week? If you have a home, you are a homeworker, whether or not you work outside the home. It has been said to "bloom where you are planted" and the question At the Well today is "what verses help you carry on joyfully in your calling of a homeworker. Your home is your garden, and to bear the fruit of a home filled with order, peace and joy, it takes work!

I have a love/hate relationship with the woman found in Proverbs 31. I would love to be more like her, but hate how far away I am from her. But it has been said that if you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time, so everyone needs a vision or something to strive for. There are a lot of goals/visions found in Proverbs 31 and there is a lot to be learned from this woman.

13. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.

Creativity was a gift I was never given, but the key word from this verse is "willingly". Seeking new things and ways to bless my home can be exciting. Recently I have researched and began canning and preserving food. Any new or different thing we can learn to do for our home and family is a way to work willingly with our hands.

14. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.

Is there any greater convenience that the one stop shopping experience? By doing just a little more leg work, fresher fruit and vegetables can be found at the produce stand and sometimes better savings can be found at another grocery store. It takes a little searching and going, but our family is worth the extra effort!

15. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.

As a young wife and mother, I loved to sleep in. At one time I even deliberately put my babies to bed late so that they would sleep late! Then they started school and I had to be up and out early. By rising before my family and having things prepared, it makes for a much more organized and productive day.

27. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 14:1 says that a wise woman builds her home. Building is an ongoing process. A home takes tending, cleaning, cooking, etc. It takes managing to create an organized and peaceful abode. This takes a watchful eye and a hard worker. The bread of idleness does not build a home. A day filled with steady, continually doing things will get much accomplished.

Having daily goals no matter how big or small can keep one moving in the right direction. Starting with the main things that need to be done - cooking, laundry, cleaning - move through the day working toward completing these tasks. Big tasks can be tackled a little chunk at a time. Lots of things can be accomplished while multi-tasking. A drawer can be cleaned out while cooking dinner, laundry folded while on the telephone, etc. Sometimes speed tasking works well - set a timer for 15 minutes and clean like crazy a certain area - bathroom/bedroom.

Every woman is gifted with various talents and gifts. Some are creative, some are great cooks, some are spotless homemakers, some are organized, some find fun and joy in every situation, some can manage and keep things running like a well oiled machine. To help hone our homeworking skills, identify what you are good at, identify what areas are a struggle. Utilize the strong points and build up the weak areas. Reading is the single most important method for growing in knowledge and learning new skills. Of course, the Bible is always the primary source for guidance in all areas, but beyond that, you can be educated, instructed and motivated in every area of life by reading. There are unlimited resources available on helping keep the home. Stay close to the Proverbs 31 woman, she'll keep you motivated and moving in the right direction!

In a day and time where we have little control over many events of life, we do have a measure of control oer the atmosphere, order and management of our homes. Our homes are our own sphere, our own place and our very own ministry. This is an endeavor worth pursuing with great passion and purpose.

*I am headed to summer camp this week and will not be able to visit around for At the Well. I will have some interesting posts and fun things on here while I"m gone, so please check back in! Thanks for stopping by today!*