Written by Erica, Contributing Writer

The lives of women are in constant transition. The seasons and yearly calendar teach us that life could not stand still if we wanted it to. So, if we’re doing this thing called homemaking, there have to be some answers for those really tough times of transition. Maybe you’ve asked yourself in the times of inevitable change, “Can I really have a happy home in the midst of my crazy life?” We have to be able to come to a compromise that maybe the picture of homemaking we have in our minds might not be possible when we’re packing boxes in a move, adjusting to a new addition to the family, facing a financial crisis, or dealing with the death of a loved one.

There are ways in which we can still maintain an atmosphere of homemaking – making a home – remember it won’t look like when we’re at our best and accomplishing our best home building skills but it can be enough to give you a steady amount of love and sanity.

1. Ask for and/or accept help.

Support is one of the most helpful ways in which we can survive transition in the best possible way. It may be hard for you if you’re used to being the one that helps others, but ask for help or accept it when it’s offered. Let someone do your laundry, dishes, or watch your children so that you can. Humbly accept help when someone offers to mow the lawn or provide a meal. The interesting part of life is that transition has a way of being temporary, which will allow you the chance to be able to help someone else down the road.

2. See that the daily needs of your family are met (i.e. meals, laundry, bedding).

This does not mean that YOU have to do each of the jobs yourself. The beauty of womanly homemaking is given in the Bible as it instructs the women to “guide the house.” Guiding and delegating can be lumped into one, which allows you the freedom to see the needs met even if it means asking for help or seeing that your husband or children help with these duties for a period of time. Forget about cleaning out closets if you have just had a baby or lost a loved one – take care of the basic needs of the family because food and clothing (laundry) is a necessity, tidy closets are not.

3. Be flexible.

Choose your priorities and do not beat yourself up if your kitchen island stacks up with mail or the floors go unswept. Transitional times provide the cushion of forgiveness, just allow yourself to be able to look past your expectations. Most people who care will understand if your house is not 100%.

Allowing flexibility in your schedule and routine will allow you the time you need to make the changes and adjustments you need to in your life. It may be the time to embrace that “less is more,” and let go of the extras (sports, crafts, hobbies) to focus on the most important work you value in making your house a home.

4. Give hugs and kind words. 

One of the differences between having a home and living in a house is that love resides there. As a Christian, love should reside in every room of our home. When we’re stressed in transitional times it can become easy to bark orders, snap at people when you’re grumpy, and take those we love for granted. Every day you should lay aside the burdens of your life and give those you love a sincere hug. Then, share a meaningful conversation or share a special moment of giving thanks and to them for the help they have provided that day. The home is made sweeter by your kind words and actions!

5. Keep a feminine touch.

Express your femininity in a concrete and personal way and make your home beautiful – enhance it by appealing to the five senses: sight, sounds, smell, touch, and taste.  Use a vase of fake flowers, a thoughtful batch of cookies, or a warm towel handed to a child just getting out of the bath.  If cardboard boxes are stacked to the ceiling, you can make your home smell nice while the packing is going on by lighting a candle. If you are having to eat on a card table while you’re in the midst of renovation, pull out those fun party napkins and paper plates. A homemaker’s feminine touch can accentuate the beauty of your job and purpose of homemaking.

Even if life is a little crazy, you can still find ways to be the homemaker you want to be. It may take a little prioritizing, some humility, delegation, flexibility, and an extra bit of creativity to make the atmosphere special. Remember that less is more when life is in the tide of change.  Your transitions will change and some day you can be the one God uses to help someone else in a situation like yours. You can still act out demonstrations of love through your homemaking, it just might be different temporarily.