A System to Follow by Arthur C. Logan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 22, 1912

A System to Follow

By Arthur C. Logan

ARTHUR C. LOGAN

In a fruit-packing house a few years ago I chanced to hear a woman remark: “In housekeeping I find the work much easier by having a system to follow.”

I wonder how many of those who are trying to keep house realize the force of this simple yet significant statement. A system, or plan, is a necessary business policy in any vocation, and must be followed at all times. Having a system to follow will relieve one of what would otherwise be considered drudgery. Drudgery produces worry, and is sure to lead to slipshod, slack ways, sooner or later.

“Have a system to follow, and follow it.” This is only another way of saying, “Have a place for everything, and everything in its place.” The writer has seen examples enough to convince him that no person can have a regular system in anything without first having a place for everything, and everything in its place. In the one case there is precision and satisfaction. In the other case one’s experience is like trying to carry water in a leaky bucket.

Many housekeepers are obliged to put up with crude facilities and inconvenient devices, because some one says that is “more economical;” “it costs less” to live in a certain style, or “that costs too much;” so they trudge on as slaves, merely existing, so to speak, because of a lack of what, with a little ingenuity, would often revolutionize things entirely, making home pleasant and life a charm.

System in housework will enable one so to utilize her time as to reduce the amount of energy expended from its maximum to at least its normal quantity, thus preserving strength and vitality.

Mill Valley, Cal.