You know a diamond is made with pressure and time, then facets, or angles, are cut into it. The more facets, the more light is captured and the greater the shine. Being a big diamond isn’t my goal. Being a bright diamond is. God cut us each with unique facets.

For the past few decades, being a homemaker went out of style, but I’m happy to note we’re seeing a comeback. In her book, The Art of Homemaking. (1967) Daryl V. Hoole uses the analogy of the homemaker being a diamond with many facets. Perhaps today’s wives and mothers are searching for that fulfilling role in their marriage.

As I’ve said before in Love the Things They Love, I took four years of homemaking in high school. Bill worked full time and I didn’t. At least not outside the home, so it made sense that I would see homemaking as a “Professional” career. Thus, I sewed and baked, cooked, cleaned did laundry, and ironed. I also managed the check book and the bills and the taxes, and the shopping. I was a Scout leader a Sunday School teacher and a crafter. It was nice for a while, but after a few years, I grew tired of the daily grind—folding the same laundry and washing the same dishes, as I’d done the day before.

My Dad’s new wife, Debbie heard the exasperation in my complaints and gave me this wonderful resource that brought back the joy I’d been missing. At first, I balked at reading it, but Hoole’s book held compelling testimony that being a homemaker didn’t have to be drudgery or feel confining. Reading it brought excitement and motivation.

We can forget the words housekeeper and housewife.

We can find glory in being a homemaker. Hoole notes that the Ideal Homemaker has at least 20 facets, giving each facet its own chapter in her book. Here are just a few from her list that helped me:

The Three A’s: 1) a good Attitude; 2) a pleasing Appearance; 3) an energetic Ambition.

“The Ideal Homemaker is lovely to look at and lovely to be around.” She applies “the law that how one feels emotionally is how one feels physically.”

4) She is a companion who merits appreciation and cooperation from her husband; 5) a woman who seeks divine guidance; 6) who is well-balanced and 7) has a sense of humor.

Hoole’s list of facets remind me of the Virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31:10 “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. :11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. :12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

:25 “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. :26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness. :27 She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness. :28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

Like diamonds, God has made us to shine. Each is unique, and with additional facets of our own— if we are willing to develop them. I know I’m continually searching for new facets to help me reflect the light of Christ and be the multifaceted diamond, I was created to be.

However, diamonds get dirty, and the shine is dulled. It’s an ongoing task to keep mine clean and polished. Sometimes, I don’t even realize it has gotten dull. Does your diamond need polishing? Does it let in light and reflect beauty?

What unique facets does your diamond hold?

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