Homemaking usually breaks down to my stressing out over keeping things clean and tidy, but what about homemaking as a social art?
As my children and I work to clean the home, I give instructions:
- Make sure you dust the corners.
- Be careful to look under the cushions for things.
- Don’t forget to sweep under the dining room table.
Is this all there is to it?
While these are great reminders, sometimes I feel as though teaching my children to clean and keep our home becomes nothing more than a list of dos and don’ts. And sometimes it feels like a to-do list that never seems like it’s ever going to get done. Or, as it happens in a large family or a family with littles, like our hard work doesn’t last very long.
One day, as we were cleaning, one of my kids asked, “Is someone coming over?” Yes, I know many moms can relate to that story, and even though I heard it before, this time it stopped me in my tracks. Sure, we want to have a comfortable and clean place for guests, but it’s also important for the family to have a place that fosters spiritual growth, organization, creativity, health, and well-being.
A Home That Gives Life
A few years ago, I attended a conference where the speaker described the different aspects of the home–it’s a life-giving center, it’s a place that protects our little ones, it’s a refuge, and regardless of what’s going on outside in the world, our family knows that home is where they’re safe, loved, cherished, and inspired.
Cleaning house isn’t simply about dusting and making sure every corner of the room is clean, it’s about creating an atmosphere of growth, peace, and life for the people living under its roof.
In other words, cleaning house has a social aspect to it.
Keeping a lovely home can make all kinds of statements about the people that live within. Homemaking and housekeeping bring in a creative aspect long forgotten where people take pride in making it a lifestyle change.
In general, social art is all about following your creative side and living in the now. Your home is a reflection of you and your family.
What does your home say about you? Are you a country-living family but making a home in the city? Do you have book lovers in your family? Place novels and journals in every room for someone to enjoy.
Are there flowers arranged on the table, not because of a holiday but because you appreciate God’s creation and want to bring in some of its beauty?
What about the tools you use? Want to promote relaxation? Choose some soothing music and diffuse lavender oil. Speaking of essential oils, bring in some aromatherapy by adding some to a natural cleaning base, instead of using typical cleaners.
It’s Your Home, So Enjoy Making It
Look around your home, take an inventory of interests. Look at the art of homemaking as more than laundry and mopping, and try to figure out what changes you can make that will turn your home into one that’s not simply clean and tidy, but one that gives life.
If you’re looking for resources to make your home into a center of inspiration, here are a few favorites:
The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
The Atmosphere of the Home and Home Sweet Home by Nancy Campbell
