The Value of Homemaking: Developing Our Second Bests

Developing Our Second Bests: The Value of Homemaking

As a stay-at-home mom, I often hear others say, “I could never do what you do.” It’s as if there’s something daunting about the idea of spending your days raising children and managing a home. But what many people fail to understand is the beauty and value of homemaking.

In The Emancipation of Domesticity, G.K. Chesterton wrote that a woman who has made the home her domain may develop all her second bests. In a world that values specialization and expertise, this may seem like a strange concept. But as a homemaker myself, I believe there is something powerful and transformative about the work we do.

The Importance of Homemaking

At its core, homemaking is about creating a place of love and care for those around us. As women, we are uniquely gifted to provide a nurturing and safe environment for our families and loved ones. And while this work may not be glamorous or celebrated in the same way as a high-powered career, it is no less important or valuable.

The Bible speaks to the importance of homemaking in many places. In Proverbs 31, we see a woman who is praised for her hard work and dedication to her family. She rises early to provide food for her household, she manages her finances wisely, and she is clothed in strength and dignity. In Titus 2, we are instructed to teach younger women to be “busy at home” and to love their husbands and children.

But even beyond these specific verses, we see throughout Scripture that God values the work of homemaking. In Genesis 2, we see that God created Eve to be a helpmate to Adam, and to be a partner in their work of caring for the garden and building a home. In the New Testament, we see Jesus himself valuing the work of women like Mary and Martha, who welcomed him into their home and cared for his needs.

The Challenges of Homemaking

Of course, homemaking is not without its challenges. It can be easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unappreciated in our work. We may struggle with the mundanity of daily tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry. We may feel like we are not making a difference in the world.

And yet, even in the midst of these challenges, there is value to be found in our work. As we care for our families and homes, we are building a foundation of love and stability that will impact generations to come. We are creating a safe haven for those we love, a place where they can come to be refreshed and renewed.

Developing Our Second Bests

So what does it mean to develop our second bests, as Chesterton put it? I believe that homemaking gives us the opportunity to explore and cultivate our interests and talents in a unique way. Because our work is necessarily broad and varied, we have the chance to pursue a wide range of activities and hobbies.

For example, I love to write, study the Bible, bake, take pictures, and every once in a while get caught up in a knitting project. While I am far from an expert in any of these areas, I have found joy and fulfillment in pursuing them in the nooks and crannies of my day. Whether it’s during nap time, after bedtime, or in stolen moments throughout the day, I am able to explore my creative side and develop my second bests.

And yet, even as we pursue our interests and hobbies, we must remember that our primary role is as homemakers. Our time and energy must be focused first and foremost on caring for our families and homes. But as we do this work, we will find that our second bests are also developing and growing.

The Value of Homemaking in Today’s World

In a world that often values productivity and achievement above all else, homemaking can seem like a waste of time. But I believe that now, more than ever, we need the work of homemakers in our world.

As we care for our families and homes, we are creating a counter-cultural witness to the value of love and nurture. We are pushing back against a society that tells us that success is measured in dollars earned or promotions received. We are living out a different kind of success, one that is measured in the love and care we give to those around us.

And as we pursue our second bests, we are also showing the world that there is more to life than work and productivity. We are demonstrating that creativity and beauty have value, even if they don’t result in a paycheck.

Conclusion

Homemaking is a challenging and rewarding calling, one that requires dedication and sacrifice. But as we embrace this work, we will find that our second bests are also developing and growing. We will find joy and fulfillment in pursuing our interests and hobbies, even as we care for our families and homes.

So to all the homemakers out there, I want to say: your work is valuable. Your love and care are making a difference in the world, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. And as you pursue your second bests, you are creating a legacy of love and creativity that will impact generations to come.

References

• Chesterton, G.K. “The Emancipation of Domesticity.”


• Proverbs 31:10-31


• Titus 2:3-5


• Genesis 2:18-25