joy not drowning

"Domestic duties...must fall to her lot, and though she does not shrink for the performance of these, ther are those of a different kind which have no less claim upon her. God has given her a mind, has bestowed upon her intellect, and it is her duty to cultivate it--it is a religious duty--for it was given her for a noble purpose that she might be her husband's pride, a fit instructress of her children, an ornament in her home." Louise L. Greene, editor, The Woman's Exponenet, Salt Lake City, April 15, 1873


Fulfilling domestic duties and cultivating the intellect go hand in hand. What a delightful idea! To make it a reality, good plan is essential. A routine to to accomplish domestic duties efficiently has the added effect of making the tasks joyful. Homemaking chores never become overwhelming drudgery, because they are constantly being done in little bits. The same is true of cultivating the mind. Instead of frittering away time with silly novels or running to the mall, homemakers may pursue a real education. 


In recent years, LDS Mommy University and other similar blogs have made this process quite easy with programs laying out the study of religion, science, nutrition, history, mathematics, literature, humanities, and handicrafts.  Of course, anyone can design their own program according to their own needs. However, such programs are a nice way to get started. 


But why toil over hard books, when the television is so interesting? " husband's pride, a fit instructress of her children, an ornament in her home" These rewards benefit everyone in the homemaker's sphere and create a happy home. Mostly, she will find joy in becoming who she was meant to be and not drowning in a sea of dirty dishes and clothes.