Working women do cook

The Dairy Maid by Vermeer
There is nothing that annoys me more that the myth that working women don't cook or clean as they are too busy/rushed or have other commitments.  I have worked with many men and women and I yet to find one that doesn't cook and I mean cook from scratch -- using fresh fruit and vegetables and basic ingredients.  Not only do we cook from scratch, we visit the markets and look for the healthy ingredients (not a quick dash into the supermarket) and put some thought into what we eat.  And I have enjoy many a morning tea at work with a lovely cake or slice that was handmade the night before.

I could equally say that SAHM's watch TV all day -- and no doubt I could find some that do, but I know that this is not correct for the large majority.  Like you, am the keeper of my home and I take very good care of my family when it comes to what they eat. I take my role very seriosuly and put a lot of effort into making sure it all runs smoothly. And I am not alone with this at all.

And we also clean -- some may have cleaners, I don't -- but we do live in clean homes. We all have different methods of how we do our cleaning, but it gets done.To be honest, it isn't hard work, but sometimes it feels like drugdery, but I keep on going with a smile and like the Proverbs 31 lady,  "She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms" and with that strength, anything is possible. 

Its all about balance. Working women can do both jobs, I know not everyone believes me, but I have both witnessed it and doing it. My mother was able to work as a teacher and care for us. Now that I am older, I truly admire her ability to do this and so thankful that she has past on these skills to me. At no stage when I was growing did I feel that we were neglected, unfed or not getting enough attention.  We all pulled our weight (I think my brothers would say they pulled a little more!!) and things all got done. And we didn't work on Sundays as that was set aside as the Lords Day. 

However, for any woman, at home or at work -- employment (or home based activities) are secondary to our true calling—the stewardship of our husband, children, and home. Women's employment must not be all consuming. Likewise a woman at home spending hours sewing, doing charity work or other activities can be also be consumed -- we all must use our time wisely and for the benefit of our families. 

The Bible nowhere forbids a woman from working outside the home. However, the Bible does teach what a woman’s priorities ougth to be. If working outside the home causes a woman to neglect her children and husband, then it is unwise for that woman to continue to work outside the home. However, if a Christian lady can work outside the home and still provide a loving, caring environment for her husband and children, then it is perfectly acceptable for her to work outside the home. However, all that we do, we do for the glory of God and not man.


And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17

**This is a controversial topic and I hope I have not offended anyone. I am only doing what the Lord has asked me to do and I am doing it to the best of my ability. My husband and adult children love me and give me their full support -- what more could I ask for? **

Comments

  1. Lovely post, Jo. I couldn't have said it better.

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  2. From everything I've seen, you do a wonderful job of juggling work and home life, and I admire the way you put your family first.
    I know it can be easy to fall into the ambitious ladder-climbing trap at work - for some women that becomes all-consuming. And that is their business. It's never our business to stick our noses into other people's lives and decide what is best for them!!
    And like you said - the same can be said of women who stay home... There can be a temptation to get side-tracked doing everything else and letting family life slide, even when you're amongst it all day. It doesn't matter where we spend our days, we all have a responsibility to keep the right balance, and be accountable to each other and God for how we spend our days.

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  3. Well said!

    BTW, I just left you an email. :)

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  4. One thing for sure, you home would be much tidier than mine :-( Being home all day with everyone in the house ALL DAY makes cleaning an almost impossible chore. I might be a SAHM but I still need a cleaning lady! Shame!

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    1. Ruby , I would love to help but you live to far to far from me. I gave my dad a hand to clean out his cupboards when I went to visit him in Adelaide and he was surprised at how quick I could do it !!! I make quick decisions!!

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  5. Love it, Joluise! Now that I found a friend in my shoes (as we both swim upstream at Lori's blog), I am your newest follower.

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    1. Hi Kaye, thanks for dropping by and I too are glad to find another working Christian lady :) Welcome to my blog.

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  6. Thank you!! To both Joluise and Kaye: I have been searching for encouragement without judgement and finally I found it! Thank you for providing a voice of reason - we all have different callings and gifts and so long as our families remain our top priority, if we are called to an additional profession we should not be judged by other women for working outside of the home as well. I found you both via the always learning blog - I felt sad when I read Lori's post but then encouraged by your comments. I am a young married woman with a BA and an LLB - and I am now a trained mediator. We have not been blessed with children yet but my husband and my home are my priority. I don't find many women in my career that are passionate about their families and home life as much as i am and have been searching for encouragement. However until now I have mainly come across a whole lot of judgement - criticising college for women, working women and generally non SAH wives. I don't believe the Lord would have guided my steps and provided the opportunities that He did if He did not mean for me to feel His calling. Thank you for your collective encouragement - it's nice to know that I am not alone in the balancing act and that others have succeeded at nurturing their families whilst serving/working outside of the home.

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    1. I am so glad you dropped by. So many blogs are centred around SAHMs (which is fine) but very few cater for Christian working ladies like us. I do hope that I can provide support for other women so you don't feel alone or as if you are doing something wrong. It is a balancing act for all women, not just us - many women at home have cottage industries or write e-books, I would assume that takes them away from their children and they need to balance their days.

      Do drop by again:)

      Blessings

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  7. well said Jo! (from a stay at home and part time working from home, home schooling mum):) I think human nature can tend to 'stereotype' people and you reminded us not to do that!:)

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