In recent years articles in the press and discussions on radio and television programs have argued the pros and cons of mothers' devoting themselves exclusively to the care of their families. One argument that needs thoughtful and clear-sighted consideration is that which claims that, by so doing, a well-educated or specially talented woman is necessarily wasting her abilities. Another argument on similar lines is that Christian Scientists would find that the full-time care of a family interferes with spiritual goals of higher significance.
The routine chores of caring for a very young family during the years when these seem endlessly demanding may well dull the vision and cloud the long-term reward of child-rearing and homemaking if the mother loses sight of their deep significance and potential blessings, which extend far beyond the family circle.
From her own experience Mrs. Eddy knew the truth of her statement made to members of her own household, "Home is not a place but a power." Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy by Irving C. Tomlinson, p. 156; Other wise thinkers through the ages have recognized this fact. The last chapter of the book of Proverbs, from verse 10 to verse 31, gives us a beautifully detailed and glowing picture of the dignity and immensely worthwhile activities of the homemaker. One verse reads, "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."Prov. 31:27; A familiar saying out of the nineteenth century is,
