Early this evening, I cleaned and tidied the house while listening to Frank Sinatra sing, Young at Heart. I thought of life in the early 40's and 50's. I worked with a cheerful, carefree heart. I vacuumed without a worry in the world. It's amazing how the simple act of housekeeping can take away all my troubles.
Earlier today, I was almost in despair thinking about my older children. Why do we mothers become busybodies in our children's lives? Sometimes I think we know too much. Sometimes we ask questions and cringe when we hear answers. I crave the days of innocence. I want to think the very best of my children. I enjoy being naive. I remember, many years ago, when my oldest daughter was home visiting. She is now 23 years old, but she was probably 19 at the time. We sat together in the living room and she said, "Mom, you think too highly of us kids. We could be sitting here smoking right in front of you and you wouldn't believe it. You'd say, not my kids." My oldest son, when he was younger, wouldn't dream of saying a swear in front of me. It's not that he was worried about getting in trouble, he just wanted to show respect. It was many years before I heard him say a rude word. I was grateful. Now he is too comfortable around me and swears often in regular conversation. This is reality, dear mothers. This is the current generation. Our children are precious, good-hearted, loving, devoted, a blessing to others, and we are proud of them! Yet our children, like us, have sin natures. We live in a corrupt world that seeks to pull us away from our godly path. But there is a way to get through it as a mother. There is a way for us to survive while we wait for the spiritual growth of our beloved children and the rewards of our hard work. We have to get into our own little world - our own little domain and find peace.
There is a phrase called, "Ever- cheerful." I know people who have a sunny disposition all the time. They think positively. There is a way to be pleasant, joyful and upbeat if we learn to create our own joy despite trials. Sometimes I get in a rut and am too caught up in the negative - what is going wrong, or what might go wrong. When this happens, my husband calms me down. He helps make everything okay. The other day he told me that I need to get my own life. He did not mean for me to run around and go out of the house to work, or goof off. He meant that I need to establish my own interests and projects here at home, so I am not so caught up in the worries of my grown children. This is great advice. So I clean or read good books or I plan my first garden. I think about what we will do this summer. I find ways to make home a happy haven, for us all, - despite the worldly problems.
There are times I will sit in my room and watch old black and white movies - like Shirley Temple, or "The Donna Reed show". I will escape for just long enough to be refreshed and encouraged. Sometimes one or two of the children will come and watch the programs with me. I suppose you could say I am caught in a time warp. I find comfort and happiness in Frank Sinatra songs and old movies. And yes, my quiet times with the Bible are also invaluable.
Some might say I hide in my house. But what they don't realize is that Mother's Domain is the sweetest retreat of all.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
To Encourage you - Evening Time for Mother.
The Blessing of a Long and Happy Marriage - Some fun - Are you Still Tricking your Wife?
A Quick little visit. Won't you come with me downstairs and see what it's like - At Mother's House.
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