When Mr. White and I bought our old colonial house, I wanted it to earn its keep. What I mean is the house had to pay for itself. It has 14 rooms and 2 acres of land. I wanted it to be an income - producing property.
We are not farmers. We know nothing about animals or gardening. We are city people. So we did what we knew best. I opened a day-care and did bookkeeping for local businesses. While this was going on, we also ran our country store, which was across the street. It was a busy, productive life. And yes, the house paid for itself!
The best part about the industry in this home was that every single family member was involved in each business. I didn't have to do any of it alone. It was a team effort and we all thrived on it.
Yet, seasons change. The children started to grow up and headed off to colleges. We sold the store. I got sick (again) and couldn't do much of anything. I am still weary and have trouble, but can function okay with rest. It seems our productivity died out when Mama couldn't orchestrate the plans anymore.
Mr. White no longer owns his own business (our store) and works at a regular job. He certainly has plenty of free time, but we are craving the use of our creativity. We long for industry in this home.
This will take some serious effort. We will come up with plans and ideas and start seeing what becomes of it. Still, it will be hard when Mama often feels like an invalid. What I want to see, more than anything, is the rest of my family thriving in self-made businesses without me. I want to be the cheerleader, off in the sidelines. I want to watch them delight in their own ideas and accomplishments, and I want them to joyfully succeed in their own endeavors. Because, frankly, I am tired. (gentle smiles)
Blessings
Mrs. White
A Little Nostalgia - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.
Our Busy times - 10 Children and Housekeeping.
You Can Have - The Cleanest House Ever!
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