Autumn Shenk writes:
With the world in such a state of uncertainty, I am reminded of the importance of homemaking. Whenever I fill out paperwork which requires my occupation, it burdens me to just write homemaking. Not because it is an insignificant occupation, but because I feel that it is so much more significant than that simple word denotes.
I want to write: “The most wonderful, effective, important job I could possibly do, requiring multiple tasks and skills that demand growth and development. I have worked hard at this and I love it! I don’t just sit at home and watch TV because I’m not capable of doing anything else. I chose this! It’s hard and its wonderful!”
But that statement doesn’t fit in the little two-inch blank provided, so I remind myself that God sees what I do. He called me to this wonderful career and constantly shows me grace and gives me wisdom as I figure out the ever-changing dynamics of my job.
At this unusual time in history when people are being encouraged to stay home more and don’t have the schooling and daycare options they usually have, people are being forced to do things differently. I have noticed different responses to this. There are a lot of ads for curbside pick-up for food or “no touch” pizza delivery. Things like puzzles and bicycles are selling out. Craft supplies and educational websites are marketed toward the parent who is home with their child and isn’t sure what to do with them.
I have also heard of a rise in domestic violence and parents going crazy because circumstances force them to be with their children more than they are comfortable with. It makes me smile to think that even the movie stars must step back from the spotlight and turn their attention to their children.
The homeschooling family with a stay-at-home mom doesn’t feel quite the same jolt as the average family. Cooking, teaching their children, coming up with valuable activities, and dealing with relationship issues are all part of the job of homemaking. It has made me realize all the more how vital homemaking is.
It is my chosen profession. Years ago I got a vision for a family that lived and learned together and found a consistent, safe, loving refuge in their own home, where there would always be love. We are far from perfect, but God’s grace is evident in our lives and our homelife is a lighthouse for His love.
Besides the foundational values of a homelife, the actual homemaking skills have proven to be so useful. Many go through life never learning to scrape together a meal with whatever is on hand. Or how to get by for a few days without disposable diapers. Or learning that you can teach a child to read yourself. There are endless skills that are acquired when a mom stays home with her children, devoted to working through all the challenges of raising a family, while continually seeking God for new direction. God is a creative God and there is joy in allowing Him to use you to love and teach your family.
I have a feeling that in these times people will turn to families with these priorities for comfort and direction. Outside the home, things are ever changing, unstable and uncertain. But a well-established home, focused on God’s Word, and His call to bring up children in His way is a safe haven, not only for your own family, but for those around who feel overwhelmed by uncertainties.
I believe that more than ever, homemakers need to be strong and focused on their families but to also be aware of the importance of their position in society. They are a lighthouse and need to be ready to share their vision with others.
For those who haven’t tried the homemaking lifestyle, it’s not too late! Pray for a vision, share your thoughts with your husband, and seek out those who are already doing it. I’m sure they will be happy to share what God had taught them at home.
AUTUMN SHENK * This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Picture: Gabe and Autumn with their nine children and grandmother, Dixie who lives with them: Eliza (20), Peter (18), Wesley (15), Annabelle (13), Jack (11), Ava (9), Bonnie (7), Matthias (5), and Philip (3).
PRAY FOR THE SHENK FAMILY:
Autumn’s update: “My husband was the guest speaker at the church where the picture was taken. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to meet the little church and its town. The town (including the parsonage and I believe the church) was destroyed by fire this past weekend. We have now had to evacuate our home too. The fire which is covering over 170,000 acres is five miles away from our house. The firefighters need prayer. It is still 0% contained.”