“These coppers, big and little, these brooms and clouts and brushes, were tools; and with them one made, not shoes or cabinet-work, but life itself. One made a climate within a climate; one made the days,–the complexion, the special flavor, the special happiness of each day as it passed; one made life.”
Willa Cather, Shadows on the Rock
Each craft has its tools. And those tools show themselves for what they are in the hands of the craftsman—in this case a woman. She knows how to use these tools because she knows what they are really for. She feels intuitively that her craft in the home stands out from all others. She is intent on forming something much greater than cabinets, or any such things.
The real fruit of her art is not tangible—or rather not only tangible—even if some immediate products are. The cabinetmaker sees his hands give shape to something concrete and beautiful right before his very eyes. He quickly perceives how well he is doing, and if something has gone amiss. The woman of the household struggles to see the fruit of her work. Sometimes the concrete things she sees are not very beautiful. Or maybe she succeeds in making them aesthetically pleasing, but the deeper purpose remains elusive.
In no other human art is there such a fine interplay, such a meaningful interweaving, of the intangible and the tangible. Such it is in the home, because such is human life. And woman is at the heart of it.
Yet today it can be so difficult for a woman to discover and to practice this art—one that is so her, and so hers. Commonly ridiculed and undermined, caricatured or simply ignored, it is seldom seen for what it is, let alone reverenced, and cultivated. When still practiced, emphasis can tend toward achieving a certain look in the home, or a certain performance of the children, missing the deeper reality. And often today this work in the home remains secondary to achieving other more purportedly ‘serious’ objectives.
There is perhaps no other work so hidden, yet with such real fruits—both for those within the home and the broader community. This work is certainly not for a woman alone. Indeed, such wifery calls for and flourishes alongside a closely connected husbandry—an art similarly in need of rediscovery.
Willa Cather gives voice to what is well-nigh beyond articulation. The woman of a household has a genius—even if as yet undiscovered or undervalued, even if different from her neighbor’s or her mother’s. She has a genius and an opportunity to make a climate within a climate—a work especially arduous when the broader climate is inclement.
By a persistent attention to the concrete, animated by a love of persons and an astute perception of their whole good in all its richness, women craft the special happiness of each day. Even when unnoticed. May they find encouragement, and support, and a gratitude that begins to be commensurate to what they are doing.
**NEW COURSE, OPEN TODAY: Woman of the Household
Open for all women, especially wives and mothers. START HERE.
Willa Cather (American, 1873-1947) was a Pulitzer-winning authoress known especially for her novels of the American frontier, such as O Pioneers! and My Antonia.
A Year to Turn to the Household
Now it is best that there should be a public and proper care for such matters; but if they are neglected by the community it would seem right for each man to help his children and friends toward virtue... Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics Being docile to reality means...
New Beginning in a Long Journey
The Magi are men who inquire into the nature of things philosophically... Rabanus There are few stories like that of three men who mysteriously appear from the ‘east’ and then disappear again in the mist of history. As a philosopher I take them as patron. In...
Christmas: The Perfect Subject for Meditation
Thus the Word of God while yet in the bosom of the Father was known to the Father alone; but when he was clothed with flesh as a word is clothed with a voice, then he was first made manifest and known... Thomas Aquinas For most of us meditation does not come easily....
Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.
I am very excited to begin your new course! It sounds like a wonderful way to start the new year and refocus on home during these strange times.
Thank you, Angela. I really hope you find it fruitful!
This is so beautiful! Thank you so much for mining these uplifting quotes and encouraging mothers and homemakers. I have passed it on to five young mothers.
You are very welcome, Julie. I’m honored you’ve shared it.
I always look forward to Wednesdays and reading your posts. They are all thoughtful and uplifting, but this one knocks it out of the park. Though I have worked part-time off and on in my thirty-three years of marriage, I have always viewed homemaking as my primary vocation, an attitude that sometimes leads to awkward conversations with and questioning looks from other people. When seen from the perspective you describe, the fulfillment and satisfaction of homemaking is immense. No job I have held has ever been as rewarding. Feminists fail to see past the daily routine of cooking, laundry, and household tasks to the real beauty and service at the heart of making a home for the people one loves best. Thank you for articulating what so few people realize.
Thank you Woman of the House! I’m so happy to hear of your experience. .
Thank you for these words of wisdom. It reminds me, that the value of motherhood is like a pearl of great value. She is the heart, and the weaver, of a beautiful home, and ultimately the country. Without the woman being a virtuous mother and wife, she can’t raise wholesome children, nor be the support her husband needs, to perform his role. Thank you, for putting forth the inspirational weekly stories. It is so good and nurturing for me to hear!
I’m so very grateful Catherine! Thank you.