As we’re spending more time at home, I keep thinking about this space we’ve created – light, airy, comfortable, and inviting. And not just this specific space, but home as a whole. It’s calm in the middle of chaos. Comfort in sickness and sorrow. A place of respite and refreshing and renewal. But what makes it this way?
It’s taken time and thoughtfulness to create this space. It takes courage to fill the spaces of a home and carefully curate pieces that reflect our values wholeheartedly. The art and photos we display. The books placed within arm’s reach. Blankets at the ready to encourage cozy moments for reading or movie nights or napping. The songs we play that spark joy and inspire. The words we share. We implement rhythms and routines and habits that direct our days with purpose. Home is a haven for dreams and prayer and reflection. A place where we are free to cultivate joy and create and celebrate. To nurture our souls and to grow. We invite God’s presence in and steer our hearts and minds toward truth. Home is our story! It’s comprised of memories and milestones and the mundane.
Now, maybe more than ever, I think we recognize the importance of home. As keepers of home, we have a responsibility to create a place of safety and belonging, of feeling loved and valued, of steering those within its walls towards truth, equipping hearts and minds with what matters, preparing them for what’s outside the protection of home, and celebrating the good.
In this season, think of the opportunity we have to craft our story. To love our families. To connect with our Creator and use our creativity. To grow in patience and practice kindness. To create a life-giving home.
I love this quote from Sally Clarkson:
“Family was God’s original organization scheme for society, and home was the laboratory where human beings could learn to glorify God through the work, relationships, and purposes of their lives… where love for God and commitment to His purposes would be passed down from one generation to another.”
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Amen.