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Most women have, at some time in their life, kept a diary. I did. In fact, if my parents wanted to give me a “sure” Christmas gift, a diary always did it. And I actually took the time to write in them! To this day I am a journaller.
So, of course I’ve been greatly blessed by the treasure-of-a-book by Elizabeth Prentiss (1818–1878). It’s titled Stepping Heavenward, and spans the life of this nineteenth-century Christian woman from age 16 to her death. In it I’ve discovered the heart of a woman who struggled (just like you and me!) with spiritual growth and with answering God’s high callings upon her life. In the end, however, we witness her journey of heeding and answering His callings as she sought “More Love to Thee, O Christ” (as the hymn title she wrote so succinctly puts it).
Consider, for example, the entry below, which expresses the thoughts of a girl with no desire to ever marry. Yet her life was touched by a home...and its homemaker.
Aunty has six children of her own, and has adopted two. She [is]...full of fun and energy, flying about the house as on wings, with a kind, bright word for everybody. All her household affairs go on like clockwork; the children are always nicely dressed; nobody ever seems out of humor. Aunty is the central object around which everybody revolves; you can’t forget her a moment, for she is always doing something for you, and then her unflagging good humor and cheerfulness keep you good-humored and cheerful.
This is the sort of home I would like if I ever married. I would like to be just such a bright, loving wife as Aunty is, to have my husband lean on me as Uncle leans on her; to have just as many children, and to train them as wisely and kindly as she does hers. Then, indeed, I would feel that I had not been born in vain, but had a high and sacred mission on earth.
Do you have a place you call home and people to love? Do you have a husband and children to nurture and serve? Do you have a home to “make”? And do you ever feel like you were “born in vain”?
Well, take it from the heart of Elizabeth Prentiss, who “got it” — the woman who answers her high callings from God to love husband and children and build a home (Proverbs 14:1) has “a high and sacred mission on earth.” When we take our homemaking seriously, it becomes a profession and a pursuit — and a passion— that speaks loudly and blesses many.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, I want to be the happy hub of my home. Help me nurture my heart with Your Word to sustain me to serve my family. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES 
A Woman's High Calling: 10 Ways to Live Out God's Plan for Your Life—Replace a life of survival with a life of meaningful accomplishment with this book (study guide included) for busy women like you!
REFLECT
Do you take homemaking seriously?
REMEMBER
When we take our homemaking seriously, it becomes a profession and a pursuit — and a passion — that speaks loudly and blesses many.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
