What’s the point of giving up some of our modern conveniences and technological advancements to live a simple life?
Is it because they’re bad? Is it merely to prove that we can function without them?
Neither. I have no problem with dishwashers or robotic vacuum cleaners; I just have no desire to use them. I do not think TV and social media are evil; but I think they commonly sap people’s joy and lead them to discontentment.
Material things are not in themselves good or bad, but possessions can take over our lives and become all-consuming if we let them. Media can be used for good or for ill, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and for the good of others.
My goal in living an intentionally slow, simple life at home is simply to find joy.
Joy is a Gift
Joy doesn’t come from more education, more money, more fame, or more power over other people. It can’t be bought at a store. It doesn’t come from accolades or public recognition. It cannot be isolated by a mathematical formula.
In fact, joy can’t be searched out and captured for oneself. It’s a gift, given to hearts that are open to it.
Joy is found in hearts that are ordered toward Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Such hearts see the good in all people, even their enemies. They see beauty in little things that others don’t even stop to notice. They follow the truth even when it’s not popular, and sleep with clear consciences.
A joyful heart isn’t concerned much about itself, because is too busy rejoicing in the glorious richness of life. It sees all life as a good and precious gift. It does not despair over the tragedies in the world, because it trusts that life is ultimately meaningful, and all is not lost even in the darkest hour.
When a person sees life as a gift, everyone she meets becomes worthy of her love and attention, no matter how different they are.
When a person sees time as a gift, it becomes amazingly precious. But curiously enough, those people seem to have all the time in the world.
Perhaps some people really do find joy in a busy, glamorous lifestyle. I’m not saying that’s impossible. But I know many women who have fallen in love with homemaking, and would not leave it for the world. I want to present the beauty and richness of this lifestyle to other women who may never have thought it could be a viable option for themselves.
The Root of Homemaking
And so, this brings me to the root of homemaking, the reason so many women do embrace it against the cultural tide.
The life of an intentional homemaker is a life of joy.
It is not a life of drudgery and meaningless housework. The housework must be done, but if done out of love, it loses its bitterness and becomes a sweet offering for the good of the family.
It is not sliding backwards, rejecting modern society and searching for an ideal from days gone by. Intentional homemaking does involve choosing the good and rejecting the bad, and sometimes doing without conveniences for the sake of some greater good.
It is not giving up dreams and ambitions, but intentionally slowing our lives down in order to see the goodness and beauty in the world instead of rushing past it.
Intentional homemaking is built around home and family. It seeks the Good, the True, and the Beautiful in life. It appreciates the things of the earth as well as those made by human hands, and looks to the seasons to stay grounded in life’s rhythms.
Intentional homemakers cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment in life, whatever their circumstances.
This is the path of joy. I hope you decide to follow along!