The word “house” suggests a place where one lives or dwells-nothing more, but the word “home” has a much richer meaning suggesting a place of refuge, a sanctuary, haven, fortress, or a shelter. “Home” is not just the place where one lives, but also a place where one is loved, secure, and at peace. As I look toward heaven as my final home, no place on earth can compare to the complete peace and sanctuary I know I have there. But here on earth, despite my faults, I strive to make my house more than a dwelling place. I desire it to be a home-a place where my husband can come home after a busy day at work and be at peace. It is also the place where my children will feel safe, loved, and provided for.
I will admit there have been times when Jim walked in the door and the home was not at peace. In fact, this past summer during a rather hot spell, Jim came home from work to find the air conditioner had gone out and the house was hot and icky, Emma was screaming and fussing endlessly and my nerves were agitated from the heat and hearing her fuss all day long. Plus I had been sewing and had sewing supplies strewn all about the house. And dinner was far from ready. Not the best of circumstances. In general, that is not the situation I aim for in our home. I feel that as the keeper of the home, it is my primary responsibility to keep the atmosphere of my home calm, so that when someone walks in I can almost hear them sigh in relaxation and comfort.
During my days as a single woman, I often would hang out with friends. It was during those days of my life, that one of my close friends invited me to spend the weekend with her out in the country with some of her friends. It so happened that they were an elderly Mennonite coupIe. I will never forget the atmosphere that hit me when I stepped into their home. There was no rushing about here and there and stress to get to the next thing. It was like stepping into a world of steady calm. I must admit that I never slept better or felt more rested than I did that weekend away in their home. Their home simply put my heart at ease. I have spent some time since then, pondering what made that home such a sanctuary. And concluded that it was not the simple décor of the house, or the lack of TV, or even the food or hospitality we were showed. What made that home was the fact that couple was at complete peace with the Lord and with each other. Their rightness with the Lord and each other made their home a haven to anyone who entered. Instantly the key was clear to me. If there is peace and love between the members of the household, everyone who enters that home is going to know and feel it. That is the atmosphere I wanted to recreate in my home.
Steps I am taking to create a home and resting place for the weary:
1. My Attitude-keeping it gentle and loving and keeping peace with the members of my family
2. Smile-Being positive and encouraging
3. Music-listen to uplifting music throughout the day
4. Candles-add a warming effect during colder evenings
5. Pick up clutter and toys-making a habit of picking up stuff when we are done using it
6. Good smells-paying attention to the smells of the home-taking out trash when needed
7. Personal appearance-keeping myself presentable
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