Of keeping the house, and leaving it.

I take you , to be my lawfully wedded husband (or wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

Home-makers. They've become ancient traditions, and ancient legends. Do you remember when June Cleaver was the norm? I can't either. For some reason, women staying at home and raising children, cleaning the house, and cooking has become a sign of weakness. It's a sign that women don't have what it takes to make it in the office. Where did this come from? Did it come from the women's rights movement? Did it seep in when women started comparing themselves to men and feeling (and being) put down because of their gender?
More and more women are leaving the home and going to the office. They're trading their ovens for copy machines. Is it a coincidence that the divorce rate is rising as the number of women leaving the home rises? Families are falling apart. This is happening for many reasons, many of which I believe have to do with the instant gratification our generation has become accustomed to. Working hard for something also seems to be a foreign concept, and relationships and families are hard work. I also think it has to do with priorities. Have things like big powerful jobs and rolling in the dough replaced families? Sadly, it appears so.
Now that I've revealed some of my disappointments and woes about our society... I'm quite excited about being a housewife one day. Let me be clear-- I have no aversion to women working. I am averse, however, to families splitting.
I think that people have unrealistic views of marriage. Too often, people expect the "better and richer" and bail when the "worse and poorer" come around.

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.