What Every Catholic Knew…

This was, for me, the most prominent and important statement made in Kimberly Hahn’s latest book, “Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker’s Heart.”

This book is the second in a series of books based on Proverbs 31.  In it, Hahn lays out for the homemaker what should be at the heart of her duties, and who or what follows from there.  She does so in her typical easy-to-follow writing and with her usual real world examples.  It is certainly a book a busy wife and mother could pick up and complete without struggle, and be the better for it.

Whenever I read Kimberly Hahn’s writings, it is often single sentences that stand out the most to me.  While these significant soundbites make up very little of the book, in themselves they make the book worthwhile.  they are often the little confirmation or inspiration I need.  As such, i would like to share a few with you.

“You do not finish your homemaking tasks so that you can get to ‘holy’ activities, but you find spiritual meaning even in manual labor.”

“Does God intend for us to complete every homemaking task every day?  No, it is not humanly possible.  If it is not humanly possible, then it is not God’s will for us.”  (This thought has been used quite often lately!)

“Even if all you are doing is humbling yourself to confess the same sins each week, you are taking a whack at pride.  And whatever takes a whack at pride is a movement in the right direction.”

An ongoing theme in the book is to be mission-minded rather than schedule driven.  For example, you have a list of ten items to do for the day.  All involve taking care of your household.  You are on number four when one of your children gets hurt, and another cannot seem to complete her math assignment.  You must leave your list incomplete to nurse the wound and review the assignment.  Now your list will not be done before dinner.  So what?  Your mission, to take care of your family, was not halted.  It was simply found in another direction.  As a homemaker, you must always keep your mission in the forefront of your mind (especially if you are a type “A”  personality - schedule driven & task oriented  - such as myself).

The book also contains some great spiritual advice, most especially from Saint Josemaria Escriva and Fr. Michael Scanlan.  Their words alone were worth reading the entire book for, and I plan on making index cards of them to be reviewed often.

Not to be forgotten are the hints of practical advice.  They do not by any means make up the majority of the book, but when they come up they are very helpful.  I love the directions given to establish a weekly planner.  This is NOT your typical to do list.  It is actually rather flexible, while ensuring that the necessities are accomplished.  I believe it will also help me with my problem of putting off what I just don’t want to do.

Overall, I found the book’s advice very helpful and the scripture references very pertinent.  I plan to make use of them in my daily life, and to improve my mission as a homemaker as a result of them.  May the Lord help me to do so.

This review was written as part of The Catholic Company product reviewer program. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Graced and Gifted - Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker’s Heart.