Homemaking is an Act of Love
Flowers: Poppies and Daisies. Odilon Redon, c. 1867. Courtesy the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago.
To tend to the hearth of your home is to tend to the hearts of your family.
We have been led to believe that homemaking is a thing of the past, an antiquated notion tied to thankless, repetitive labor. The word itself can conjure images of drudgery, of a never-ending list of chores that steal our time and energy. For years, particularly as a business owner focused on my career, I held a similar view. Homemaking felt secondary, an afterthought to the more pressing and seemingly more important demands of the professional world. But a shift occurred —a profound realignment of my priorities, revealing a truth I had overlooked: the daily acts of managing a home are not merely chores, but a powerful and tangible expression of love.
The Motivation Beyond the Mundane
My journey toward embracing homemaking is not rooted in a newfound passion for cleaning or organizing for its own sake. While there is a personal satisfaction that comes from regaining control of my environment, especially after years of living in a situation where I had none, my true motivation runs much deeper. What truly keeps me going, day after day, is the undeniable impact this work has on my family. When I’m staring into the refrigerator wondering what to cook for dinner or looking at a seemingly endless list of tasks, the thought that brings me back to center is always how these efforts will affect my loved ones.
In a world that often measures our value by our professional titles and earning potential, it can be challenging to see the immense worth in domestic life. Yet, I have come to believe that what I do within the walls of my home is a demonstration of love that I cannot achieve through any other endeavor. It is a direct and immediate contribution to the well-being of the people I cherish most, a purpose-driven work that feels far more significant than any project or consulting engagement.
A Sanctuary for Their Success
A refined life is built upon a solid foundation, and that foundation is a home that functions as a true sanctuary. This concept is about more than just aesthetics or minimalist design; it is about creating a space where the people you love can rest, recharge, and feel utterly safe and supported before heading back out into a chaotic world. The practice of homemaking is what breathes life into the sanctuary. It is the invisible architecture that ensures the home is a place of restoration and peace.
This is what I consider when I engage in the daily rhythms of maintaining our household. I am not just tidying up or preparing a meal; I am actively creating the environment that will equip my son and loved ones to pursue their own purpose. How can they rest and decompress if their surroundings are in disarray? How can they feel nurtured and prepared for their day without the steadying presence of home-cooked meals and an orderly environment? The simple, consistent acts of homemaking provide a sense of stability and calm that is essential for their growth and happiness.
This work is a way to pour love into the very structure of their daily lives. It is my deepest desire to provide them with what they need to be successful, to feel comfortable and free, and to know they have a haven to return to, always. When I view it this way, the effort is no longer a burden, but a privilege.
What does homemaking mean to you? Share your thoughts with me on Instagram and in the comments on Substack. I would love to hear your perspective.
