I've been reading the American Girl books with my daughter. She likes Felicity, the spirited girl from the Revolutionary War era. They really are fun books with lots of history in them. So, we were reading "Felicity Learns a Lesson" on our vacaction. In this book, Felicity's parents decide that it is time for her to learn to be "a lady". Here is a portion of conversation between Felicity and her mother:
"Caring for your family is a responsibility and a pleasure. It will be your most important task, and one that you must learn to do well. I want you to be a notable housewife when you are grown."
"Notable?" asked Felicity.
"Yes," said Mrs. Merriman. "A notable housewife runs her household smoothly, so that everyone in it is happy and healthy. Her life is private and quiet. She is content doing things for her family."
"Things nobody ever sees," said Felicity.
"Aye," agreed her mother. "But many lovely things are private and hidden."
excerpted from page 7, Felicity Learns A Lesson by Valerie Tripp
Book Two in the American Girl Collection
What planet was this book written on? Certainly not here in America! I guess there are some things we need to take note of from history! I wish I had been taught this and I certainly want to teach it to my girls. Not that there isn't a place for more public pursuits, but really learning to be content doing things for you family is not something that is honored by very many people today.
I think it is kind of funny how these books and dolls have become so popular and teach such "old fashioned" things. How many people who are buying this stuff for their kids would agree with that dialogue?
It just struck me how amazing it is to hear taking care of your family being commended like that. Even if it is Juvenile Fiction take it to heart - you are doing important work!
Proverbs 31:27
"She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness."
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