Saturday, July 07, 2007

Housekeeping revisited

I have always been touched by this passage in Little Women. I thought I'd repeat it here, as it illustrates the blessings of our profession.

Other helps had Jo. Humble, wholesome duties and delights that would not be denied their part in serving her, and which she slowly learned to see and value. Brooms and dishcloths never could be as distasteful as they once had been, for Beth had presided over both, and something of her housewifely spirit seemed to linger around the little mop and the old brush, never thrown away. As she used them, Jo found herself humming the songs Beth used to hum, imitating Beth's orderly ways, and giving the little touches here and there that kept everything fresh and cozy, which was the first step toward making home happy, though she didn't know it till Hannah said with an approving squeeze of the hand . . .
You thoughtful creature, you're determined we shan't miss that dear lamb ef you can help it. We don't say much, but we see it, and the Lord will bless you for't, see ef He don't.


The Lord will bless you for it, see if He don't!

2 comments:

Cherish the Home said...

What a lovely quote! I've never read Little Women but I've ordered the book and I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival! (o;

Rhonda in Chile said...

Oh, Mrs B! So good to "see" you!
My mom read Little Women to me and my sister when I was 10. I've re-read it over the years, and I each time I go back, there's something I missed that I just didn't "get" before. This particular chapter is a tear-jerker.

Blessings, my friend!