The Housewife's Prayer

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  We were very busy, and I am happy to have the day off today.  Monday begins the work week, and also usually begins the chore routines for most of us.  It seems as though the dishes, the laundry, the dusting, etc. will never end, and I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel a little under appreciated for all the little things that I do around the house.  I realize that the kiddos are a bit young yet for chores, but the other night after play time with Daddy, The Hubby said to Ms. H “You forgot to put your game away.”  And to my surprise, Ms. H replied, “That’s okay, Mommy will put it away later.”  I was furious!  You could actually see the steam shooting out from my flared nostrils. It made me realize that I had been teaching my kids that they don’t need to pick up after themselves because Mommy would always be there to do it for them.  I thought they knew that I was being nice and helpful, but when I heard her say that, I felt as though she thought it was my responsibility to pick up after her.  That is one thing that I do NOT want to be teaching my kids – that the mommy will do everything and the kids can do whatever they want.  So now we are working on putting things away before getting something else out, and bringing their dishes to the sink after they finish eating.  It’s not a lot, but it’s a start, and it helps me with my daily pick-up routine. 

So yesterday I was cleaning off my dresser, and I found some prayer cards that I had taken from my Grandmother’s house after she had passed away.  This one in particular put a smile on my face, and so I had to share it.  It is for all the women out there, for all the little things that you do.  For the times you go un-thanked or unnoticed, or if you ever feel unappreciated.  Let me tell you that you are all amazing and beautiful and this world could not function without you!   For all the tasks big or small that you have to do today, know that someone is thinking of you and thanking you for all that you do!!

The Housewife’s Prayer

Lady, who with tender ward

Didst keep the house of Christ the Lord,

Who didst set forth the bread and wine

Before the Living Wheat and Vine,

Didst reverently make the bed

Whereon was laid the Holy Head

That such a cruel pillow prest

For our Behalf, on Calvary’s crest;

Be beside me while I go

About my labors to and fro.

Speed the wheel and speed the loom,

Guide the needle and the broom,

Make my bread rise sweet and light;

Make my cheese come foamy white;

Yellow may my butter be

As cowslips blowing on the lea.

Homely though my tasks and small,

Be beside me at them all.

Then when I shall stand to face

Jesus in the judgment place,

To me thy gracious help afford,

Who art the Handmaid of the Lord.