Discover how A Mother’s Rule of Life blends timeless wisdom with modern productivity for a holistic, faith-filled approach to order and discipline in motherhood.
A “Rule of Life” is a concept borrowed from medieval monastics, but it has surprising relevance for modern mothers.
In her book A Mother’s Rule of Life, Holly Pierlot weaves together timeless wisdom with practical application. What stood out to me most was how she drew from historical practices of holy living without leaning on modern productivity jargon.
In today’s terms, her approach includes crafting a mission statement, creating a job description, setting goals, defining roles and responsibilities, maintaining a household notebook (think FlyLady’s control journal), and following a schedule.
Yet Pierlot grounds these tools in a deeply religious perspective, putting a unique spin on concepts I thought I already understood.
Personal and Practical
What makes A Mother’s Rule of Life so engaging is its personal touch. Pierlot shares her story, illustrating how she moved from chaos to peace by developing her own “Rule.” Her autobiographical style makes the material relatable, offering insight into her reasoning without prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution.
Pierlot’s Catholic faith is woven throughout the book, but it’s not alienating for non-Catholic readers. Her focus on Jesus and the Holy Spirit transcends denominational lines. Even as a Protestant, I found her discussion of the Eucharist and her personal convictions thought-provoking rather than off-putting.
One concept I’m still pondering is her emphasis on obligating her conscience. Pierlot describes taking advice from counselors or mentors as morally binding—a perspective that feels foreign to most Protestants. Initially, I balked at what seemed like legalism. But the more I reflected, the more I recognized my tendency to dismiss my own duties under the guise of avoiding legalism.
Pierlot’s approach challenged me to confront my excuses. Her perspective aligns with James 4:17: “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” To explore this further, I reread Elisabeth Elliot’s Discipline: The Glad Surrender and was reminded that growth comes through submitting to our duties, even when they seem mundane or repetitive.
Comparing A Mother’s Rule of Life with Other Systems
Managers of Their Homes (MOTH)
If you’re familiar with Managers of Their Homes (MOTH) by Teri Maxwell, you’ll find similarities but also distinct differences in approach. MOTH is focused on creating and implementing a detailed schedule. It’s practical and nitty-gritty, perfect for those who want clear instructions on time management.
In contrast, A Mother’s Rule of Life takes a broader view. Pierlot invites readers to conduct a whole-life examination, balancing their spiritual, relational, and practical responsibilities. While MOTH emphasizes time stewardship, Pierlot frames order as a path to holiness and a way to fulfill your vocation as a mother.
Both books offer valuable tools, but they cater to different needs. If you prefer philosophical reflection and storytelling, you’ll appreciate Pierlot’s style. On the other hand, if you want actionable steps without much theory, MOTH might be a better fit.
Getting Things Done (GTD)
Reading A Mother’s Rule of Life alongside David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) offered fascinating parallels. Though one is deeply religious and the other entirely secular, both emphasize the importance of writing everything down, maintaining lists, and conducting regular reviews.
Pierlot even recommends a biweekly “Mother’s Retreat,” where she refreshes herself and reflects on her progress. It’s a practice that resonates with GTD’s weekly review but adds a spiritual dimension focused on renewal and connection with God.
The overlap between these systems highlights the universality of certain principles, such as the need for clarity, order, and consistent reflection. Whether you approach them from a faith-based or secular perspective, these methods provide structure to navigate the complexities of life.
Why I’ll Return to A Mother’s Rule of Life
I thoroughly enjoyed A Mother’s Rule of Life. While it didn’t radically change my systems—I’ve already incorporated elements of MOTH and GTD into my routines—it dramatically boosted my motivation.
Pierlot’s emphasis on discipline and her call to holiness encouraged me to not just maintain my systems but to live them out with purpose and intention.
Her autobiographical approach and philosophical depth make this a book I’ll revisit whenever I need a reminder of why order and discipline matter. It’s a refreshing blend of practicality and spirituality that inspires not just a more organized life but a more meaningful one.
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