Power in the Home

One month ago my life was easy. I had a great husband, four beautiful daughters, a small, but lovely home, steady income, and peace. Three weeks ago my husband moved to another state for work. He leaves Monday morning at 3:30 am and comes home Friday evening at 7:30. The first two Saturdays that we had were so chaotic. I was running around cooking his meals to take, cleaning his things, doing his laundry and trying to find everything I could to make his stay at a motel as comfortable as possible. This just made tension and made me feel "cumbered about by many things." I knew I needed to choose "that good part," but had so much to do. I also knew that we had him home so few hours that I should not be wasting the time with him. This week was different. I spent Friday morning cooking all of his meals and putting away all of our laundry. Friday afternoon I collected the things he said he would like to take with him next week. Saturday morning I got up early and started his laundry and the three loads were done in no time. I became aware that I was a new person this week. Early in the week I read an excerpt from a Relief Society newspaper published in 1873 that said

HOME is the realm in which the wife is the sovereign, and her sovereignty will bring her honor and love according as her rule over the matters committed to her trust is wisely and beneficently ordered.

I have been reminded of my sovereignty in my home as I am without my husband. It is me that designs the schedule and makes it happen. It is me that controls the mood and spirit in our home. These things do go well as long as I am wise and orderly. I thought that I would be able to relax and let some things go that were important to my husband, but didn't seem so to me. I have learned that doing so is not wise and takes out much of the order and I do not get much honor nor love.

That realm, limited as it is, demands for its government a much greater and a more unremitting effort of thought than is always given to it.

I thought that I was limited, that I had little power, but I am completely in control right now..... I don't think I like it very much. I learned exactly how much my husband does for me. I not only have to take the garbage out to the can, but have to take the can to the curb on pick up day, then bring it back in. This may not seem like a bit deal, but try forgetting one week. I have many reasons to appreciate my husband now, and have begun to see how the limits of my power are self imposed. The more effort and thought I put into managing my home now the more power I have.

I am very happy to be having this experience. That may sound crazy, but we have been so blessed already because of this. Before my husband left he gave each member of our family a blessing. It was one of the most sacred experiences I have had. Those blessings have been such a comfort and an uplift since he left. I have found my prayers to be much more focused and sincere, my scripture study has gained ground and these have led to increased faith. I am able to more readily hear and follow the Lord's promptings through the Holy Ghost. My priorities have changed.

My life may no longer be easy, but I am now making forward progress. We are coming together in ways that just one month ago I didn't think were possible. I am thankful to see some of my weaknesses turning to strengths as I face this challenge with faith instead of fear like in the past. I will take the things I am learning over easy any day.


This is the website with the excerpt of the paper, Society Sunday. I am so happy to be participating this week and hope to continue each week.