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Tea Time Tuesday
“The impact of an intentional place of welcome is eternal because the true transforming power of home goes heart, mind, and souls deep. People thrive when stability comes through belonging.”
-Well Lived
Every family has a story of life that defines them. We are a traveling family. Clay and I have had hundreds of goodbyes at airports over the years. Our children live in New York City, London, Oxford. We have spent our lives in missions and ministry all over the world. Someone is always coming or going, but at the end of the trip, we always hope for a soft landing in our home, the place of welcome, love, and a safe haven of rest.
A few years ago, I was traveling from Denver to London, to Oxford. Leaving home, traveling to the airport, standing in lines, dragging suitcases, keeping my passport ready, sitting amongst strangers for 10 hours and then 2 more hours dodging trucks on the freeway before arriving home in Oxford wears a 70-something mama out. I couldn’t wait just to get to my “home.”
Ten minutes before I was to arrive home, I texted Joel and said, “I’ll be home in ten minutes.” As my friend and I arrived at my fairy house, I saw a “Welcome” sign hung on the front door. I pushed it open. “We are here!” I moved in the direction of the kitchen. Clay was making a strong pot of Yorkshire gold tea. Joel quipped, “The cheesy scrambled eggs are almost ready and almond croissants and sour dough bread are heating in the oven. Welcome home, Mama!” A perfect welcome to soothe my soul.
We had practiced rituals and rhythms for so many years, even my boys enacted them as a habit of life. Now I could breathe in peace, rest myself into a comfy chair and catch up on the happenings of life. This was a place of welcome, love and safety.
Today on my podcast, I speak about how to curate a home that creates welcome. Rhythms, routines, traditions, collections and more.
Our own practices fit our family culture, quirky personalities, values that scribbled our story of life on the Clarkson family history. Each of our lives will be different but special and unique. What ways does your home offer a place of welcome?