I had a gr
eat time in Kentucky this week visiting an aunt and a cousin that were passing through. I hadn’t seen them in years, so we had a good time catching up. Another day we had an early celebration of my parent’s 55th wedding anniversary, which is next week. We had lunch at a lovely place in Lexington. It was kind of special that it was just the five of us – we love our husband’s, but it was kind of nice being able to share this meal with the immediate family. I feel so very blessed to have parents who have stayed married all these years!
After being gone three days and two nights I believe my husband was pretty glad to have me home. You know how I love Andy Griffith – in one episode Peggy comes in and makes a meal for Andy and Opie while Aunt Bea is away. She adds candlelight to the table, tells Andy to get his guitar and sing, and just brings a special touch to the home and suppertime. Opie notices that things are different after her arrival and asks his dad, “What’s the difference?” Andy’s answer is, “There’s a woman in the house!”
While I was away my husband kept things in their place, warmed up the plate I left him, and took care of himself, but after I got home and busied around doing this and that he came to me and said, “There’s a woman in the house!” We women should make a difference.
This month our ladies’ Bible study is on “A Heart for your Home.” Elizabeth talks about the fact that we are to manage and keep our homes. It doesn’t matter how many people live in your home – whether it’s just you or you have a house full of people, it’s really up to the woman – you, to add those special touches and make your house a home.
Anyone can throw in laundry, put a meal in the oven, or live in a house, but it’s up to us to make it special. It takes work, doesn’t it? We already have plenty of that to do, but if you’re going to make a meal, why not make it special by the way you serve it? Put it on a pretty platter with a garnish of fresh herbs. Sprinkle dried parsley over the potatoes for some color. Add a seasonal flower arrangement to the table. Put a fresh tablecloth or place mats on the table. Use candles occasionally.
In our lesson, Elizabeth had us do an assignment that I thought was a great idea. We were to take a walk through the house with a pad of paper and pen. As we looked at each room we were to note things that needed attention and make notes. Does something need a coat of paint? Is something broken? What needs to be cleaned, straightened or organized? After making the list, we were encouraged to tackle those needs one at a time until they were all taken care of.
My list was long, but I’ve gotten lots done already! Some of those things required our “handy man” and dear church member’s help, but he was willing and several things have been taken care of! I’ll continue to work through my list until it’s finished. Our husbands don’t always see these little things that need to be done. It’s up to us to manage the house and look after the details of it so it is taken care of and is a place of comfort – a respite for our family.
I’d encourage you to try Elizabeth’s plan. Walk through your house, and with a critical eye, look for things that need to be cleaned, fixed or updated. Then begin making your way through that list. Having it written down and posted somewhere will keep you motivated. Reward yourself when you get all done! It may take weeks, but do a little at a time.
Tomorrow is the first day of spring! So, look for special touches you can add – to a room, a shelf, your front entryway, or a meal. Let it be very obvious that there’s a woman in the house!
See you in church Sunday and Happy Spring!
With love,
RefreshHer 