"The task of building our homes into places of beauty and life that will feed the hearts, souls, and minds of our children is the most comprehensive task to which God has called us as mothers. We are called quite literally to be "home makers" - to plan and shape a home environment that provides our families with both a safe resting place and a launching pad for everything they do in the world."
-The Mission of Motherhood
The definition of "home" is:
"The place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household."
While I suppose this very vague definition is true, home is so much more than a shelter where we simply eat, sleep, and gather. It is a place of refuge, a safe haven for our children that is welcoming and beautiful. When I think of home, I think of...
Candles flickering... Familiar Music playing from the other room...
My four children discussing... Plenty of giggling...
The aroma of freshly baked cookies... Various books in baskets on shelves in every room,
Calligraphy of verses, quotes sprinkled on tables around the house
magazines, Bibles, art prints, family photos...
Strong cups of tea...
Fresh flowers on display...
Musical instruments-guitar, piano, dulcimer,
A Basketball backboard
Rocking Chairs, art pencils scattered amongst drawings and sketch books Kelsey the golden retriever stealing goodies off of someone's plate, tail wagging as she runs off...
All of these qualities about home are a beautiful part of God's design, but the true transforming power of home goes even deeper. Each family will learn to develop its own distinct way of living out the principles of wisdom God has provided in his Word. In the same way, each home should be different and uniquely suited to meet the needs of the children and parents who live there.
I truly believe that the home we cultivate as mothers is the restorative training grounds for our children...a place where they can be discipled and filled with love and care prior to growing up and heading to battle. Let's take a look at what God designed home to be filled with...
Wisdom... "The wisest of women builds her home, but folly with her own hands tears it down." -Proverbs 14:1
Knowledge... "By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." -Proverbs 24:3-4
Peace... "Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ " -Luke 10:5
Rest... "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." -Isaiah 32:18
God has entrusted you with an incredible responsibility as the "home maker." What will you fill your home with today? Take a moment to complete the reflection and application below.
-Out of the verses above, which qualities of the God-designed home do you feel are lacking, and which are flourishing this season? -What are some practical ways that you could cultivate more beauty and peace in your home this weekend? -What worries/anxieties are keeping you from the God-designed home today?