The Hidden Art of Homemaking - Chapter 11

Creative Recreation

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines 'recreation' as "(1)Refreshment of the strength and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion.  (2)Relief from toil or pain; amusement in sorrow or distress. (3) A forming anew."

The New Oxford American Dictionary gives the origin of the word:

"late Middle English (also in the sense [mental or spiritual consolation] ): via Old French from Latin recreatio(n-), from recreare ‘create again, renew.’"

I prefer the third definition. And that seems to fit with the spirit of this chapter.

In the 9th grade, I learned the old hymn "Morning Has Broken". To this day I enjoy hearing it and singing it. I can still recall the sweet words and melody. The last line says:

"Praise with elation, praise every morning

God's recreation of the new day."

(lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon, music a traditional Gaelic tune) 

Our choir director had us pronounce the word 'recreation' as 're - creation'. After all, God has already created the very first day. And so each new day is a re-creation. That thought has stuck with me ever since.


I have watched over the years as my young children have spent nearly entire days re-creating, using the imagination, exploring and discovering. It energizes them. And one thing leads to another and they are off in a whole new world.  Is that what God intended recreation to do for us? To energize us? To inspire us to create more?

What is it that refreshes and rejuvenates and renews you?

Tennis, anyone? Boating? Badminton? How about a ballgame? What is your favorite recreational activity? 

Or maybe it's a walk in the park? an afternoon at the museum? an evening out with friends? Time spent at a favorite hobby might do the trick. 

Honestly, though, we live in a culture that seems to thrive on leisure and recreation. It is so easy to put these first, and skimp on the 'work' part of life. Around here we are trying to learn better habits - work first, play after. Work hard and reap the rewards. Hard work makes down-time so much sweeter.

Throughout Edith Schaeffer's book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking, she shares many ideas to inspire creative recreation. I've enjoyed re-reading her book, and am gathering up ideas to implement in the months and years to come. 


You can read my thoughts on previous chapters by clicking here and browsing through earlier posts.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul,'Therefore I hope in Him!'

Lamentations 3:22-24

Photo Credit:  Daughter Caitlin snapped this one of Son Luke, after an exhausting photo shoot for his senior pictures.  It was Luke's way of saying, "Sorry, Sis. I'm DONE."

This post was originally part of a group book study on The Hidden Art of Homemaking, but I'm also linking this up with the Wise Woman Link Up.