Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. –Proverbs 17:1
Proverbs 17:1 is on the wall in my kitchen, written in a large font, a verse to pull me back from my perfectionism, my grandiose plans, and my daily temptations to keep up with Mrs. Homemaker Jones, a verse to remind me of what is better: quietness, a peaceful home. If I can’t do all the wonderful, worthwhile things rattling around in my head without falling into strife and grumpiness at my children, then it’s better to let them go. Lately, I’ve taken to paraphrasing this verse.
When I think regretfully back to last summer and my fanatical fears and tight voiced reprimands about my seedlings being trampled by little feet when I went out to weed, I remind myself: Better is a slightly injured vegetable garden and quietness therewith, than flawless beds with strife.
When a precious “homemaker in training” pushes a stool up to the counter and asks if she can help with the frosting, and the cakey flecks start to appear all over the creamy top, I silently recite: Better is a cake with crumbs in the frosting and quietness therewith, than Wilton Yearbook quality with strife.
When I’m racing around trying to get the house clean for company, and I’m starting to snap at my “sweeping crew” because they’re missing the dog fur in the corners, it’s time to remember that better are a few spare dog hairs and quietness therewith, than an immaculate floor with strife.
This is not a call to mediocrity–far from it. It’s a call to excellence in the things that truly matter, things like that meek and quiet spirit that’s of such great price in God’s eyes (1 Peter 3:4), or just giving my children memories of a happy mother who was delighted to have their help and companionship, who enjoyed working with them.
All too often, I’m not that kind of mother. I’m the hard-nosed mother, the mother whose self-image is all wrapped up in accomplishment, in looking good, and appearing to have it all together. I want everyone to be impressed with me, with my beautiful clean house, my fabulous cooking, my creative decorating. And when little hands are jeopardizing my “perfect” products by blood pressure tends to rise. Proverbs 17:1 reminds me that all those “sacrifices” I want to fill my house and my life with are actually worth even less than stale bread if I can’t do it all with quietness.
As is so often the case in the Christian life, attitude trumps accomplishment. We should aspire to do wonderful things with our lives and our homes, but we have to remember to start with hearts and relationships and continually put quietness before lavish sacrifice.
March 28th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I have this verse hanging over my stove in the kitchen too! Good reminder.
I loved this paragraph:
“This is not a call to mediocrity–far from it. It’s a call to excellence in the things that truly matter, things like that meek and quiet spirit that’s of such great price in God’s eyes (1 Peter 3:4), or just giving my children memories of a happy mother who was delighted to have their help and companionship, who enjoyed working with them.”
- So true.
March 29th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I lov ethis post! I’ve written one called the perfect mother and this really adds to it. Great job!
March 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I’m going to have to print that verse for myself as well…and place it in ALL my rooms for me to remember
March 29th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
This is wonderful, Mrs. P, I can completely relate to everything you’ve said here. I’m often the same way – I become afraid of what people will think of me and in order to give agood impression things have to be \perfect,\ and it’s my kids who suffer for it. I’m going to put this on my own refrigerator!
March 29th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
If I can paraphrase ‘…and her children shall rise up and call her blessed; her husband also’. I need to remind myself daily about the most important part of my life – wife and mother. Your post hits home. Thank you for sharing it.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:40 am
When people come to my house, I just say, “don’t trip over the junk..” or more likely “grab the broom” but I do snap at the family in the process also–especially when their brains have totally detached. Blessings to you.
March 30th, 2009 at 9:27 am
As always you have spoken right to my heart and convicted me all over the place! Excellent words of wisdom.
March 30th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and really enjoy your insights and maturity. This particular posting hit home with me. I can remember like it was yesterday my mother screaming at me (I was eight; I’m 53 now)because I had hung out the laundry incorrectly. Ladies, appreciate any and all help your little ones give you. They are gone all too soon!
March 31st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Okay, either we are sister or you have been reading my mail, again! This was wonderful and spoke to me immensly. The insight the Lord gives you is a blessing to many, thank you.
Michelle
She Looketh Well
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
This post was very convicting for me; thank you! I may need to print that verse out for myself…
April 4th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Love this post!
Very convicting.
April 4th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I can’t begin to tell you the encouragement your posts provide to me. I’ll just have to make do with: Thank-you.