Better Living Series-Part 8: Someone to Ground the Charge

Even as a homemaker, life has it’s storms. Facing the same tasks day after day can leave us feeling purposeless. Caring for the never ending needs of children can be exhausting. We face financial pressure. Relational pressures. Our own failure.

When these things accumulate, they begin to build like storm clouds on the horizon. As these worries of life pile up, an inner friction often accompanies them.

For a time we can hold it in. But sooner or later, there comes a point when it will break loose. The friction becomes too great and an outburst of lightning goes forth, striking the innocent ones around us (usually our families).

I’m sure we all have a particular situation in mind right now. 

As homemakers, it’s important to find someone who can help us deal with the charge before it breaks lose and hurts those we love.

A TRUSTWORTHY INDIVIDUAL

In spite of what we may have thought, homemaking and raising a family isn’t all lavender and roses. It’s tough, takes wisdom and discernment.

Which is why it’s important to have another woman in our lives who has walked the ground we currently stand on. Someone who will listen. Be compassionate. A woman who sees the entire picture and can speak the hard truth we sometimes need to hear. Who will pray with and for us, remind of the love our Heavenly Father has for us.

We need someone who, when the meeting is over, doesn’t air juicy details to the world around her.

CHOOSING SOMEONE TO GROUND THE CHARGE

Have you ever opened yourself up to another woman, only to discover she wasn’t “safe?” If so, you are not alone! Many of us shy away from sharing because (sadly enough), we’ve been burned.

Before asking someone to be a grounding force in your life, take time to observe that individual.

Do they listen to others? Or are they too busy spouting their own wisdom? Are they interested in, concerned for the welfare of others? Can they agree to disagree? Share their opinion but leave you with your own, no strings attached? Will they speak the truth even when it’s difficult?

Whenever possible, I highly encourage you to choose someone local. A person who can literally walk into your home and observe how you do life. See your interactions with the home, husband and children.

While this is ideal, I recognize some of you live in rural areas where people are few and far between. Perhaps you could schedule a monthly phone date with someone you trust?

 

NOT YOUR HUSBAND

Ladies, your husband shouldn’t be your only source of grounding. Amazing as he might be, your man can’t meet you in the same way another woman can. We need one another in the same way a man needs the understanding of another man.

Don’t get me wrong: your husband should be a key part of your life and home. He should be someone you can openly share with about household or personal problems. But he isn’t superhuman and has his own limitations. Strong as he may be, your man needs you to draw support from more than himself.

 

LETS START THE PROCESS

Take some time to think it over. Observe the women around you. Is there someone who stands out as a potential grounding source? What draws you to that individual?

 

Next post we step into household management habits! Read on for part 9: A House Cleaning Schedule.