THE MOTHER'S PERSONAL APPEARANCE IN THE HOME.
By Mrs. M. C. Dubois
MANY women are very careless of their personal appearance in their home. From the pen of another I quote: “It is a part of every woman's duty to dress neatly and becomingly at home.” The mother is the center of the home circle; upon her depends, largely, the attractiveness of home; no woman should mar the beauty of her home by being habitually slack and untidy in her dress. If her hair is becomingly arranged, and her dress, although only a faded print, is clean and well fitting, with a bit of lace or ribbon around the neck, she need not blush to face the President. Far too many women think it matters not how they look when at home. True, women on the farm, who do their own work, look after the garden, milk, feed calves, and raise poultry, cannot keep as neat all the while as one who has none of this kind of work to do; but every woman can, if she will, find a little time to devote to her own personal appearance. I knew a farmer's wife, the mother of three children, who took boarders, did her own work; and although she was not a strong woman, she never failed to tidy herself a bit and make some change in her dress after the dinner dishes were washed; for, she said, “I want my boys, after I am gone, to think of me as a neat woman, not a slattern.” Mothers, there is much food for thought right at this point. If every mother could realize her influence in this direction, it might help some to find time to “fix up” a little. I know how it is with many mothers: they have to work so hard they neglect the duty they owe themselves, and then, becoming discouraged, they settle down in a “don't-care-how-I-look” state of mind, the very worst thing they can do. If such would take a bath, comb their hair, and change their dress for a fresher one, and then rest for five minutes, I believe they would be well repaid for the time it took to make the change. The children like to see mama look pretty, and are pleased to bring a flower to put in her hair. The husband will notice the change, even though he may not mention the fact; and surely the mother herself will feel more cheerful, invigorated in mind and body. By a little forethought, time might be gained for this purpose as well as for rest and the improvement of the mind, a short study of the Bible, and a little “talk with Jesus.” Many do their work in a haphazard way, “just as the spirit moves” them. Their work is made much harder because of their lack of order and system, and they are apt to look upon housework as mere drudgery, instead of doing it “as unto the Lord,” as every woman should. Our homes can be kept to glorify God, and should be. If we would glorify God, we must be examples of neatness in dress at home as well as abroad. We should remember the rule laid down in the Word for Christian women to follow (1 Tim. 2:9) — modest apparel, not costly, showy apparel. Good, serviceable dress-goods are not here meant. There may be an excuse for some, but there can be none for the majority of women who go about their homes with uncombed hair, soiled and tattered garments. Such cast an influence, but against “the truth.” This untidy home appearance is especially noticeable in the country, although many in city and town homes need to reform. It does not take long to put one's self in a tidy condition while doing housework; and even on the farm, where woman's work lasts from the rising to the setting of the sun, she can find time to look neat and presentable any hour of the day. As Christian women, we should present a neat appearance in the home.