The world's view is:

"There is no fulfillment in being a housewife. What kind of fulfillment can a woman possibly find during those years when she feels that the most important contribution she can make to the world each day is three meals and clean diapers?"

The answer, is simple—a lot. It’s all in her attitude.

All agreed that community and church work needs to be done, but again, the smart woman will set her priorities, get organized, and find the right time to do it.

One girl commented that there are so many modern conveniences available to the housewife today that she now has time she didn’t have a few years ago. The well-organized Latter-day Saint woman can straighten her house, read to her children for two hours, fix a good meal, and still have two hours that night to teach an MIA class or distribute United Fund brochures, as well as have a quiet hour with her husband to discuss the day’s activities.

You say there are no challenges in that sort of life?

Is it more challenging to go out in the community and help juvenile delinquents than it is to teach your own children principles of good citizenship on a consistent, day-to-day basis?

Is it more fulfilling to take a literature class than it is to read War and Peace with your teenager and learn from each other?

Is there more potential in fighting the social ills of the world than there is in making your own home a pleasant, happy, and desirable place for your husband and children?

A young coed seemed to pin down the entire concept of Women’s Liberation quite well when she said that it is based around the philosophy of “I want” instead of “What can I give?”—a surefire formula for dissatisfaction.

David O. McKay told us that no success can ever compensate for failure in the home. The woman who prepares and maintains the ability—physical and mental—to alleviate that failure will never yearn for greater achievement.   From Our Readers:

"YES! There is tremendous fulfillment in knowing that *I* care for my family. *I* am raising my children to be upstanding adults, *I* cook the food for my family to eat, *I* washed that shirt my child is wearing! I have great satisfaction in the knowledge that my Daughter will learn how to cook, sew and clean from my example and not from some TV personality. I enjoy the time spent fixing breakfast for my husband and the compliments I receive as a result of a new recipe. I am so happy with the job I have that, even when times are tough, no one could PAY me to leave my home!

Yes, I can say, there IS fulfillment in being a housewife. The greatest fulfillment has not come yet though, that will be the day my daughter thanks

me for all that I have taught her while I was at home, much in the same way I thanked my own Momma! "

Sincerely,

Jessica in Washington

Other Articles in the Deluxe Edition

Homemaking Requires Pioneer Spirit By Valerie Steadman We as homemakers experience day-to-day life that requires day-to-day solutions.  If we aren’t pioneers in our own field, who will be?.... Join to read more .... Are you a member?  Login and read	The Housekeeper's Journal   (Housekeeping Hints)....We believe:  ....That homemaking should be regarded as a profession... Join to read more .... Are you a member?  Login and read