A FEW THOUGHTS ON ECONOMY.
By Mrs. M. C. Du Bois
There is one item of economy that most housekeepers overlook. They may know how to save the dimes and dollars, and may eke-out the contents of the flour barrel, sugar tub, potato bin, and wood box. They may turn and overturn the already well-worn garment into a respectable, almost good as new, one. In fact, they can save everything but themselves. They never think of saving their own strength. They never shrink from the taking of many extra steps. Just as long as they can move, they work on, until abused nature can stand it no longer. I believe in being saving in all domestic arrangements, but a woman has no more right carelessly to waste her physical strength than she has to waste food or money. Every housekeeper ought to be economical of time, and of strength of body. One may say, “I have just so much to do, just so many steps to take! I see no way to save a step.” Perhaps I can help you, dear sister. I will mention one item, that of setting the dinner table; for all do not keep their table spread all the time. I have seen a tired woman walk from pantry to table many times oftener than she needed to. She spread the cloth, then laid the knives and forks, next the plates, then some other article, one at a time, until her table was arranged to her mind; and while doing this she walked fifteen or twenty times from pantry to table. Now, had she put the articles required in a tray or dripping pan, or, if nothing better could be had, into a dish pan, and thus carried them to the table, the whole could have been done much easier, many steps would have been saved, and perhaps sufficient time gained to have rested a little. And while resting, a golden thought could have been gleaned from the page of a good book, or one of God’s precious promises studied, and the meal would have been better enjoyed because of the few moments’ rest. This is a small item in economy. Perhaps some one may say, “Yes, I admit the truthfulness of what you say.” But try it, and report results. I could mention other items; such as unnecessary steps taken in going down cellar and back. By watching yourself, you can save many extra steps in the course of a year. And this will all be time gained for reading, writing, or missionary work. Weak women should save their strength by sitting down when preparing the vegetables, fruits, and much other food, also when wiping dishes. It is a woman’s duty to save herself all she can. I know that some women spurn the thought of sparing their physical strength; but unless they take proper care of themselves, they may not always be as strong as they now are. Some women do outdoor work far beyond their strength, and wonder why they feel so used up. I have nothing to say against women working out of doors: it is beneficial. The trouble lies in working too hard, in working beyond their strength. When we understand the teaching of God’s word upon this subject, we shall learn to take better care of our bodies. Read 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” In the light of these words have we any right to abuse the body? I know how it is in a family where there is only one pair of hands and feet to do all that needs doing, and it is for such that I write. In saving unnecessary steps, you save yourself. “By making one hand wash the other,” you may frequently save many weary steps. The lesson our Saviour taught at the feeding of the multitude, “Gather up the fragments,” is very applicable, I think, to the busy housekeeper. You will be surprised to see how many fragments of time you can save by just watching your unnecessary steps, and unnecessary work; and all without neglecting the comforts of your family. I wish all would try it for one month, and thus satisfy themselves of its benefits to mind and body.