When still waiting for my beloved to become mine, I was gifted a wonderful book. The title inspired the description for this blog: The Mirror of True Womanhood by Reverend Bernard O'Reily. Published 1886. I learned so many fascinating ideals from this old-fashioned and somewhat outdated book. Even though I won't ever be able to apply some of the old formalities it speaks of, one of my favorite lessons was on the importance of the wife keeping a home as a peaceful sanctum for her husband and children.
The book speaks of two women, the first being a rich upper class wife, whose home is lavishly decorated and truly lacks nothing. It directs the women who fall under this category to behave themselves in a righteous, humble, graceful and yet authorative manner to their manservants and maidservants. That no matter how much material things the Lord God blesses them with, to use them and disperse of them in a frugal way, showing gratitude and respect for all her husband does and pour love and peace throughout her home.
The second woman, is one whose husband works incredibly hard for the very little home they have. A small cottage and garden, the author describes, and though it be a humble abode how important it still be to make it just as peacefilled and inviting as any other. Reverend O'Reily says the wife's attitude of sheer thanksgiving, love and joy makes up for the crude beauty the interior possesses. The husband comes home to a sanctuary of love and rest because of the wife's attitude!
This was fascinating to me. Starting out in our own place was so incredibly humbling. Our area designated for dining had a glued together, uneven, laminate topped table that was about three feet long and two feet wide. On either end were two borrowed folding chairs. Beyond a beautiful bed in our bedroom, our place had no other furniture. As I spent my days at home pregnant with our first, my husband worked very hard at a stressful job. He came home exhausted nearly every night. I desired above all else he come home to a relaxing home and hot meal. I recalled what I had read in that book. I did my very best to have his dinner fresh on a plate directly as he walked over that threshold, I decorated what I could, made our home spotless (something my man really appreciates) and focused on my attitude.
I only hope that my attitude reflects a palace and sanctuary of love and peace for all who enter. And as time has gone by, my home has gotten prettier and prettier.
