Setting The Tone
Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere. Her hands fashion it’s beauty. Her heart makes its love. And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration of a home… But the woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity is doing something better than anything her hands could find to do beneath the skies.
+J.R. Miller
We women, wives, mothers are charged with the most noble task of bringing up Saints. The way in which we conduct ourselves will either contribute to our family’s salvation or condemnation. As the keepers of our homes, we set the tone of our households. If we emit beauty and grace, everything we touch is enhanced.
The feel of the home is an extension of the way we make others feel. Have you ever stepped into someone’s home and instantly felt a sense of peace and comfort? Usually the keeper of that home also gives off a sense of peace. They’ve taken the time to curate a space that is inviting. On the other hand, have you been to a home that is disheveled and cold? It feels as if the home has been neglected. How do you think the inhabitants of that space feel dwelling in that environment? It certainly isn’t inspiring.
Have you ever visited a monastery? I love drawing inspiration from the monastics as they are the people closest to God. If you’ve been to a monastery you’ll notice that it’s very well kept. Each of the sisters has a different duty and they each work in coordination to clean, organize and plan so that the monastery runs smoothly. Monasteries are also a place of refuge as the monastics emphasize prayer and communion with God. Stepping into a monastery, you sense the Grace of God dwelling among the sisters and it’s reflected in the beauty of the monastery, however simple the sisters may live.
God is a God of order and everything he has designed is Good. We should strive for such qualities in ourselves so that our households emit the characteristics that encourage virtue.