In the common stuff
Posted first by Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer and so fittingly ties in with some of the comments on the feminism post from earlier this week: When women--sometimes well-meaning, earnest, truth seeking ones--say "Get out of the house and do something creative, find something meaningful, something with more direct access to reality," it is a dead giveaway that they have missed the deepest definition of creation, of meaning, of reality. And when you start seeing the world as opaque, that is, as an end in itself instead of as transparent, when you ignore the Other World where this one ultimately finds its meaning, of course housekeeping (and any other kind of work if you do it long enough) becomes tedious and empty.
But what have buying groceries, changing diapers and peeling vegetables got to do with creativity? Aren't those the very things that keep us from it? Isn't it that kind of drudgery that keeps us in bondage? It's insipid and confining, it's what one conspicuous feminist called "a life of idiotic ritual, full of forebodings and failure." To her I would answer ritual, yes. Idiotic, no, not to the Christian--for although we do the same things anybody else does, and we do them over and over in the same way, the ordinary transactions of everyday life are the very means of transfiguration. It is the common stuff of this world which, because of the Word's having been "made flesh," is shot through with meaning, with charity, with the glory of God.
posted by Crystal Paine at 6:35 AM
11 Comments:
Crystal,
Thanks so much for all the posts lately about feminism and homemaking. I've been tremendously encouraged and blessed and hope that the "flame mail" you receive as a result won't deter you from speaking the truth. Until I found this blog, I had no idea that there were so many like minded women out there!
As someone who was previously working outside the home before my marriage and also after until I became pregnant with my first child, I have experienced both worlds and have to say that I wouldn't go back to my old job for anything! I have found that being a keeper of the home, nurturing mother and wife has given me outlets and opportunities galore for being creative, whether it's through the everyday chores or doing craft projects with my son, sewing clothes for the family, gardening, interior decorating, entertaining/planning parties, etc. etc. I absolutely love this role that I have been blessed to fill.
After my time in the work force, I can tell you that it was so refreshing to hand in my resignation and I've never looked back. Here's some of the reasons why:
When you have an outside of the home job and are married, it creates alot of conflict because it is expected that you follow your supervisor's wishes over your husband's. For example, I had to work many weekends when my husband was off of work and he wanted to go somewhere or do something with me and I couldn't because my supervisor needed me to work those days. I had to put my husband's needs (and our marriage) on the back burner in so many instances.
I also didn't have the time or energy to keep up with the simplest tasks like cleaning and laundry. My husband tried to help as he could, but his job was requiring him to work alot of over time, and he often put in 60 hours a week, so it would have been ridiculous to expect him to split the chores fifty-fifty. By my working to "help out" with the finances, it actually put more of a burden on my husband! He never once complained, but I could see the disappointment in his eyes.
Almost all of my co-workers were not Christians and I was subjected to a vulgar environment full of foul language, dirty jokes, etc. that was not edifying. I was also sexually harrassed by male co-workers and MY BOSS on an almost daily basis. I finally couldn't take it anymore and quit (finding out I was finally pregnant not long after--awesome how God does things!).
And thus a new, wonderful chapter of my life began!!! I finally feel as if I'm truly ALIVE and thriving and doing what I meant to do. Each day is a new miracle full of His goodness, even when I may not complete my to-do list or the children are fussy.
Sorry this is so long. I just wanted to share what a blessing it has been to finally come home!
I love Elisabeth Elliot. I find so much wisdom in her writings and her testimony in general.
Great post!
How beautiful- I love how Elisabeth Elliot words things! This is a great encouragment to me as well!
This is written in such an inspiring way. I never understood the "get out into the real world" argument. What can be more real than taking care of your own family? Answering phone calls and browsing through papers in the office all day long?
Most women, including those who define themselves as career women, say that their family is the most important thing in the world for them. Yet in truth, their family only gets a small amount of their time. That's, sadly, the REAL world.
hey crystal,
i've been reading ur blog for awhile,i really enjoy it. I was watching tv and ur on 60 minutes
in australia tonight! lol I'm sure u know but anyway.
from jess
Jess and anyone else who saw the program: From what I hear, it was different (and I'm guessing worse - if that's possible!) than the UK program in that they pulled out all references to our faith or to why we believe what we believe.
For anyone who saw either program, if you are interested in reading a review on the UK program done by someone from the UK or in reading my review of the UK program (which I was just able to see a few weeks ago), feel free to email me and I'll be glad to pass it along.
It seems that some people who put down working in the home might really be disliking routine and responsibility. I'm no major intellectual, but it seems that trivializing the home and its work is really part of "worshipping" a seemingly carefree, youth-obsessed world.
My husband and I have single friends who claim that they're just not ready to handle being "tied down" to chores and yards and kids. It's hard some times to not be hurt by how those (who see themselves as being on the other side) see our lives, but I know that marriage and caring for my home is among the most rewarding and purposeful things I do.
Brandy
Thank you Crystal for sharing this quote by Elisabeth Elliott. It really blessed me today!
I agree with what you are all saying about staying home, and I sincerely wish that was an option for me. At this time in my life, however, I am needed to bring in an income...and a steady one.
Both Hubby and I leadvety ungodly and wasteful lives before getting saved, we aquired a lot of debt and were very foolish. Even after getting saved, we had to learn principles of discipline and stewardship., now we are still paying the piper, but praise God, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We do not yet have children and so, it is easier for me to maintain a job and try to keep the home nice for my husband. But it is a huge sacrifice to be out in the world every day, exposed to the world and all manner of uncleaness. But out here, I have a Jerusalem to carry the gospel to and for that I am grateful.
I blog about being a working Christian wife and the challenges that this brings.
God Bless, Amy G
ANY job has it's mundane, "blah" moments, not matter if you are high on the corporate ladder or working as a full-time homemaker. There are always the inevitable days where nothing goes right or you just can't get motivated no matter what career path you are on. Nothing maintains it's shiny luster without constant attitude checks. You ladies know what I'm talking about! :-)
It's encouraging to think of the long term rather than the short term and realize that jobs such as scrubbing the toilet or taking out the garbage are important, even if they seem menial. We have to think beyond that moment and see the bigger picture.
Wow! Thankyou so much for directing us all to this post of Shannon's.
"Get out of the house and do something creative, find something meaningful, something with more direct access to reality"...
Well, I am 'out of the house' at work all day and I'd say that I'd have a better chance of 'doing something creative' if I were allowed to stay at home instead! Everything in your life can have meaning and as a Christian the goal is for eternal meaning - this is my reality. In my current situation working full-time I have to get creative to even dream of achieving such things.
"for although we do the same things anybody else does, and we do them over and over in the same way, the ordinary transactions of everyday life are the very means of transfiguration"
Yeah, I think this is kind of what I was trying to say just above. What an inspiring post!
Diana
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