The sweet truth is that when we put in the effort to educate ourselves about this calling and life-long, always-on vocation, when we practice day in and day out, when we cultivate good attitudes, and correct our thinking, homemaking becomes more restful, not less. The sweet truth is that when we are home (I mean actually home), our homes become more expansive. I’m less a slave shackled to my kitchen now than I ever was as an employee, manager, or owner in the past. How is my life “easier” (kinder, healing, gentler) when I’m on call 24/7 as opposed to 8-9 hours of work? Because homemaking isn’t a 9-5 job, so the mindset and the pace are completely different.

Porches should truly be considered rooms in our homes. They’re one more place we can gather and tend our families. They’re one more place we can help our people rest and regenerate. They’re one more place we can offer to friends and family to enjoy.