Living in simplicity isn't an easy achievement. Everyday life has its busy moments and makes it sometimes impossible to live the simply life that most of us so desire. The Blessing of being a homemaker has its advantages. I much prefer the joy of this life than living life in a blur. The daily 9 to 5 away from my family and home just isn't my preference. I am content in being a homemaker. To do a daily eight hour shift away from home and have to return home for a second shift leaves little or no time in your schedule for much of anything else. Because of the lack of remaining time in your day you have little or no time to give your children the love and nurturing they so need. When time in your day is limited its easy for you and your family to turn into fast food junkies because most of the time your simply to exhausted to make a home cooked meal from scratch. You spend your life playing catch up because tomorrow comes so quickly.
Many women desire a more simplified life because our bodies overloaded and becoming worn. When we work outside the home we spend hours commuting, we are sleeping less, and our workload and responsibilities weigh heavy on us. Moms are seeking change. We are starting to look for ways to make our lives easier. Simplicity began in my life after marriage when I was blessed to be a stay at home mom. I love the joy of tending to my home and being here for my children. One is grown, one is almost grown, and my youngest is still in High School and they still need a presence in the home. They are happy when they come home knowing help is available whether they need it or not. My oldest has a part time job, my middle child is a working mother now herself. My 11 month old grandson whom I watch while his mom works also needs me. Yes, there is Daycare but with the rising cost and concerns that come along with placing your child in one makes me happy I am able to help my daughter as and allow her to have peace of mind while saving for a nest egg for her and her son down the road.
In reality everyone doesn't have the luxury of being a stay at home mother and or homemaker. There are some who had 9 to 5 jobs that have traded them in for work from home positions. I have done both. I have much solace and joy in working from home because it affords me more hands on time with my kids as they grew through the years and gives me the opportunity to form my own schedule around maintaining my home and attending to the needs of my family.
I have mastered meal planning for my family, baking special goodies, crafting, gardening, flea market hunting and decorating in conjunction with taking care of my grandson five days a week. For me simplicity is contentment with my roles as housewife, homemaker, parent and being satisfied with what God has blessed me with. Simple life to me is low maintenance living which is why I think I desire the style of country living and decor the way I do. I don't have to be overly cautious about things in my home because they were not expensive purchases to begin with. It is also low maintenance. I'd much rather my home be a place of comfort which looks lived in vs a high maintenance place that looks less lived in and more of a glamour shot for a magazine. I have nothing against those who chose to live in that type of environment, to each his own. I am just saying my preference is to live in a comfortable, kid friendly space that is also aesthetically pleasing. My rustic pine furniture can withstand scratches and dents, it actually adds more to the character and charm of it. Why pay money for distressed furniture like many do when the wear of the years can do it for you without extra cost, lol.
Living simpler requires devising a plan contoured to helping you live a less complicated lifestyle, the less the better. Keeping things to a minimum means more free time to do what you enjoy on a day to day basis. You want to wake up with anticipation in the morning of what you are going to do that day rather than feeling like the day is going to be burdensome and you would rather stay in bed with the covers over your head.
Homemaking is not something all women desire, some like tending to business in the workplace more than being at home full time. I am not saying anything is wrong with that, to each his own but I have never found anything more rewarding than to be home with my kids, taking an active part in their lives while making my house into a home; a place where they love being and still look forward to coming home to at the ages they are now. I wanted it to be a place they could be proud to have their friends over for visits.
A home where simplicity resides is a calmer, peaceful home. It is never about the abundance of what a person has, its about making the best of what you are given and being content with it, your family, friends, food on your table, and roof over your head. Thank God, for you are rich in his Grace and Mercy.
It may take some time for you to reach that level of simplicity that you desire, but it is reachable. Seek it, you will find it, and have the satisfaction that comes along with being a happy and content homemaker, living the simple life.
Peace and Love, © Sherri C. Walker
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