Homemaking Looks Like…

My mom, oh, she's truly something special. From the moment I was born until this very day, our home has been a masterpiece of love and warmth. It astounds me to think back on my childhood, where every holiday and change of season was accompanied by a beautifully decorated house. I can still picture it, a sanctuary of cleanliness and serenity, with the exception of my untidy room, of course. And the meals, oh, the meals! My mom's culinary prowess knew no bounds, as she wowed us with a repertoire of recipes that were never duplicated in a single week. But you know what truly stands out? It's not the fact that my mom never scolded us to clean before our grandparents arrived. No, what I remember most is the love that permeated every corner of our home. It was a haven, a place of safety where my friends flocked even into my teenage years. As I grew older, I yearned to create a home just like that - a space that radiated love and warmth. However, I couldn't help but feel inadequate when comparing my "housekeeping" skills to my mother's natural talent. I struggled to decorate beautifully or cook with the same finesse. It seemed as though I would never reach her level of expertise. But as time passed, I began to grasp a profound truth. Homemaking is not about impeccable decor or gourmet meals. It's a matter of the heart. It's about cultivating an environment that fosters love, safety, and cherished traditions. I now understand that the beauty of my childhood home stemmed not from the finest chicken pot pie my mom made (although it truly was the best), but from the fact that my parents regarded our home as a divine gift. They lovingly tended to its every detail, ensuring its cleanliness and safety. They provided comforting meals to nourish our bodies and orchestrated playful pranks to amuse our souls. They made our friends feel like cherished family members. Their love echoed throughout the halls and left an indelible mark on our hearts. 

As I continue my own journey as a mother and homemaker, I've learned invaluable lessons from Sally Clarkson. One of my favorites is the importance of establishing traditions and rhythms. These rituals create an anchor for our children, a sense of belonging and familiarity no matter where life takes them. It's not about achieving picture-perfect perfection or conforming to Instagram standards. Homemaking is a sacred duty, one that shapes the legacy we leave for our loved ones. It's about embracing our unique identity and providing a refuge of love and security, whether our decorations hail from luxurious stores or the aisles of the Target dollar section. It's about crafting a heartfelt meal, regardless of our culinary expertise, and opening our doors to anyone in need of love, even if our sink overflows with dirty dishes.Real life, my friends, bears no resemblance to an Instagram reel - and that's more than okay. Real life is authentic, beautiful, and imbued with the richness of human connection. Let us embrace our roles as homemakers with a sense of purpose and gratitude, for within our hands lies the power to shape lives, create memories, and nurture love that lasts generations. So, let us step forward with confidence, ready to make our homes a sanctuary where the love of Abba can be experienced in the simplest and most profound ways. And remember, your imperfect, overflowing sink does not diminish the beauty and impact of the life you build. In fact, it makes it even more extraordinary.