by Janet Wahlquist
As homemakers, we set the "tone" of our home. I well remember my wonderful mother. Every day that we came home from school, Mom was waiting with a cheerful "Welcome back, how was your day?" She always had a snack of frozen milk with a little chocolate stirred in for us. The house was orderly and clean, and beautifully but simply decorated. Home was a safe, warm place where I knew I was loved. The evening meal was a lovely time of catching up on the events of the day and discussing topics. My father came home in time for 6:00 dinner no matter what. He was an important executive at a cutting edge computer company, and yet business never interfered with family. He honored my mom and the hard work and thought that went into each meal, and running a home. Even when there were tensions, trials, or suffering in my mother's life, she beamed a smile and served a healthful, tasty, and beautiful dinner. Every night-no exceptions. The consistency told us how important we were. She fostered edifying conversation around the table with questions and comments, pointing out something good or someone's kind act. She set the pleasant tone for our home. Each night one of the children was "kitchen lady," even my brother. We would do prep cook work for her, set the table, bring dishes to the table and clear them as needed. We bussed the table at the end of the meal and cleaned all the dishes. The family could sit and enjoy the meal and talk without people jumping up for forgotten items, added condiments, etc. No one talked on the phone at dinner-time. We were trained in good manners. In these ways, and through meal-planning and other organization, we enjoyed good food and fellowship each evening.
What truly stands out to me is the beautiful virtue of self-control. Many things vied for my mother's time. There were volunteer organizations, church functions, chatty neighbors, ballet class. My mom did many activities, but never did these pursuits displace duty. To be at home, to run the house with efficiency and beauty, to create a blessed ambiance and make each person feel special and cared for-these took highest priority. Other opportunities must fit in or be denied. She looked to her responsibilities before other pursuits. I am positive that she did not feel cheerful every single day. I am positive. Was her smile a show, a repressing of her feelings? No. But she knew there was a proper time and way to take care of offenses. She knew that a joyful home was a healthful home, and she always attempted to adorn ours with this spirit. I am so thankful that I have this example of doing what is right consistently. In closing, here are some verses which to me embody the virtue and strength of resolve that I have seen demonstrated by my mother.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Pr. 17:22)
"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Heb. 13:15,16)
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:4)
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
"So will I sing praise unto Thy name, for ever, that I may dailly perform my vows." (Psalm 61:8)
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Pr. 25:28)
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)
