Cindy over at Ordo Amoris is hosting The Hidden Art of Homemaking Book club. I am jumping in a little late and hoping to find the time to fit it in.
I read The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer about 5 years ago. I had read great reviews about it, but when I finished I was at a loss of what was so great about it. Even then I still couldn't get rid of the book telling myself that I should re-read it one day and which is why I'm picking this up now. I am hoping to understand this book better this time since I have read a few other Edith Schaeffer books (she does have a unique writing style) since then and reading the thoughts of others may help me. So let's dive into the first chapter.
Chapter 1 talks about The First Artist, God, who is perfect in all forms of creativity. God's art is seen visibly and invisibly. His art communicates.
What struck home with me the most in this chapter was that along with being creative, God has given us a choice in how to use our creativity. We as humans can think of so many ideas and plans that when we sit down and look at them all we realize there is no way we can do everything. Because we have limited time and talent we have to make a choice on how and in what ways we are going to use our creativity.
And this is where I struggle. Homemaking does not feel creative to me in the least. Oh, I have my moments every now and then, but usually I feel too pressed for time, I homeschool, I help my husband in the church, I have to feed my family, and oh, have I mentioned the laundry? This brings up another point that as humans we are not on God's level and thus are limited, but this doesn't excuse us from having or being creative as Mrs. Schaeffer reminds us at the closing of the chapter.
I read The Hidden Art of Homemaking
by Edith Schaeffer about 5 years ago. I had read great reviews about it, but when I finished I was at a loss of what was so great about it. Even then I still couldn't get rid of the book telling myself that I should re-read it one day and which is why I'm picking this up now. I am hoping to understand this book better this time since I have read a few other Edith Schaeffer books (she does have a unique writing style) since then and reading the thoughts of others may help me. So let's dive into the first chapter. Chapter 1 talks about The First Artist, God, who is perfect in all forms of creativity. God's art is seen visibly and invisibly. His art communicates.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1As I read this chapter, which is so beautifully written, it made me think about how creative God is. Look all around you at the variety of plants and animals He created. Then look at his ultimate creation, mankind, who was made in His image and because we are made in His image we are also creative.
What struck home with me the most in this chapter was that along with being creative, God has given us a choice in how to use our creativity. We as humans can think of so many ideas and plans that when we sit down and look at them all we realize there is no way we can do everything. Because we have limited time and talent we have to make a choice on how and in what ways we are going to use our creativity.
And this is where I struggle. Homemaking does not feel creative to me in the least. Oh, I have my moments every now and then, but usually I feel too pressed for time, I homeschool, I help my husband in the church, I have to feed my family, and oh, have I mentioned the laundry? This brings up another point that as humans we are not on God's level and thus are limited, but this doesn't excuse us from having or being creative as Mrs. Schaeffer reminds us at the closing of the chapter.
...then what I call 'Hidden Art' should be more important to one who knows and admits that he is made in God's image, than to those who do not. p.29
Gerbera daisy's just make me happy!
My creativity in gardening extends only to my front porch.
I always have pots on my porch with fuchsias, impatiens, geraniums and a gerbera daisy.
More from this series:
I've got that book-published in the UK as "Hidden art". A bookclub sounds great-thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteI too have struggled with how to embrace artistry in our home when we have so much going on. I think part of it is being intentional and looking for the little things, the baby steps to take at first. I also think that busyness causes me to lose that sense of wonder, and God is showing me the necessity of slowing down to rest.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing more thoughts from you, Beth!
I agree, Beth--I struggle in the same way. Add to all the things you mention the fact that there's so much I WANT to do myself--reading, scrapbooking, exercising, etc. It's hard to see the beauty in the mundane, so I'm hoping this book club will help me do just that.
ReplyDelete:-)
Sounds like a good book. I think my daughter and I should read through it. :-)
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