“It seems to me that a critical ingredient which allows a home to be truly nurturing is the mother’s free choice to take on the role of homemaker. If she takes on that role in freedom, without any coercion from husband, partner, friends—or children—but out of her own self-knowledge of what she can and will do allied with the deep belief that this is the right course of action, then carrying a household can be a satisfying and deeply meaningful task. If the homemaker can infuse her home with her own warmth of soul, making it a refuge—a sanctuary, even—then both she and those who live in that home will flourish. Further, others who come into her home, be they relatives, friends, or neighbors, will be able to feel and experience it as a welcoming and nurturing place to be. If the homemaker or mother is the central figure upon which the strength of the home rests, then she needs to have taken up that role gladly, acknowledging it as a call of destiny.”

—Donna Simmons of Christopherus Homeschool Resources (via Melissa Wiley at The Lilting House

I don’t know what else to say then, yes, that’s it exactly. I want to be like that, and I want my home to be like that - I don’t think I’m there yet, but I sure hope I can be someday!

And speaking of Melissa Wiley, I thought this post was really, really funny.