On a recent trip with my friend Debbie to our favorite store, Hobby Lobby, I found and had to purchase this "plaque". It says, "Family ties are precious threads, no matter where we roam, they draw us close to those we love and pull our hearts toward home."
This is my desire for my children when it comes to our family/home. That when they are older and have families of their own their hearts will always have a special place for the home we provided.
According to Webster's dictionary, home as a noun is defined as 1) the place where a person lives 2) a family living together in one building, house, etc. 3) a place where something normally or naturally lives or is located. When you look at this definition, it seems a little cold. Home is just a place where someone lives BUT home is so much more. Home should be a warm and inviting place. A place where you can be yourself and be loved unconditionally. A safe haven.
I have to say that in the last year, my goal has been and still is to change the atmosphere of our home. For it not just to be the place where we live, but the place where we come to be loved, encouraged and accepted.
I love our house. It is not overly big, it is just right for our family of 4 (okay, 5 counting Mr. Jingle). Dave has always given me free reign when it comes to decorating and being a bit on the OCD side our home has order (yes, I am one of those everything has a place kind of people). Our home is a building that provides specific human needs for our family - shelter, warmth, protection, etc. But what about the emotional needs of our family? Shouldn't our home definitely provide for those needs?!
My idea of home changed dramatically after I read an article written with regard to how "home" is regarded by a child with special needs after a day of controlling themselves in the classroom. In the article, it spoke of how this child is expected to withhold and control the tendencies they naturally experience throughout their day. They hold themselves in check making sure what they are doing is "acceptable". When they come home, they need to come to a place that allows for them to be themselves. No longer needing to be "on guard". Whether it be in the form of a period of quiet time or busyness, they need time to decompress from that constant need of staying in check. When I read this what came to my mind is a safe haven.
Our families need to have a place to come and decompress after a day of being out in the world - kids from school and activities and adults alike from the workplace and other responsibilities. We all need a soft place to fall. Now, don't get me wrong this doesn't allow for family members especially children to become disrespectful and run rough shod over everyone in the home. The boundary of respect is a must but there should be that ease of being able to come home and just be quiet, maybe spill your guts, check out for a few moments, whatever it may be....time to regroup and know that that is okay.
My desire is for my husband and kids to know that when they are home they are loved and accepted for who they are at all times. Yes, behavior, especially with the kids, will dictate the peacefulness of the home but they will know they are always loved!
Bearing in mind this idea of our home being a safe haven, one of my goals going forward is to react less and listen more. As it says in James 1:19 "You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (NLT) I tend to be quick to speak and when a certain tone is used quick to get a tone (angry) myself. My desire is to really listen to what I am being told, setting aside tones, to truly be able to help and encourage the one I am speaking with. Now, please understand that if it is one of my children their tone will be addressed but only after we've address the heart of situation at hand. Another verse I want to keep in mind is Proverbs 19:24 "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." (NLT) How many times I myself have been hurt by words spoken to me. I pray that the words I use with my family will be ones that uplift, encourage and contribute to their well being.
A home can be just a building but I pray that never be the case for my home. I pray that it is always a safe haven for my husband, children and anyone who enters through its doors!
As always thanks for stopping by!
Our families need to have a place to come and decompress after a day of being out in the world - kids from school and activities and adults alike from the workplace and other responsibilities. We all need a soft place to fall. Now, don't get me wrong this doesn't allow for family members especially children to become disrespectful and run rough shod over everyone in the home. The boundary of respect is a must but there should be that ease of being able to come home and just be quiet, maybe spill your guts, check out for a few moments, whatever it may be....time to regroup and know that that is okay.
My desire is for my husband and kids to know that when they are home they are loved and accepted for who they are at all times. Yes, behavior, especially with the kids, will dictate the peacefulness of the home but they will know they are always loved!
Bearing in mind this idea of our home being a safe haven, one of my goals going forward is to react less and listen more. As it says in James 1:19 "You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (NLT) I tend to be quick to speak and when a certain tone is used quick to get a tone (angry) myself. My desire is to really listen to what I am being told, setting aside tones, to truly be able to help and encourage the one I am speaking with. Now, please understand that if it is one of my children their tone will be addressed but only after we've address the heart of situation at hand. Another verse I want to keep in mind is Proverbs 19:24 "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." (NLT) How many times I myself have been hurt by words spoken to me. I pray that the words I use with my family will be ones that uplift, encourage and contribute to their well being.
A home can be just a building but I pray that never be the case for my home. I pray that it is always a safe haven for my husband, children and anyone who enters through its doors!
As always thanks for stopping by!
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