This Christmas was the first time we’d been home on Christmas morning in many, many years. In a glorious decision, our family decided to begin our own traditions before all the kids have grown and moved out. So, when they get married, they’ll have traditions in our own home to look forward to.
We should’ve done this years ago, but just now found the courage.
Trading one good thing for another is often difficult. But, having a family plan that we all agreed upon, was so refreshing.
This Christmas was the best Christmas we’ve had, thus far. It gave us all an excitement and longing for the next one. Our house was filled with joy and laughter all day long. Presents, games, food, movies…it was perfect.
It’s so important to cultivate home.
I talk about it a lot, I know. But it’s almost a lost art, so I feel it needs much discussion.
Home is where the heart is…they say.
How can our heart be home if we never are?
It’s such a perfect season to resurrect the individual family unit…the one to which you were to leave and cleave.
It’s often so easy to never separate from your parent’s home and traditions. But I believe there are ways to include them while firmly establishing your own. A give and take.
It’s important that our children know what home is like. That we create an environment of rest and peace for them to land in every day. A table to gather around and eat, laugh, play games, and discuss.
One of the greatest takeaways I have from this last 5 years is the value of family dinnertime discussions. Letting each member have a voice and opinion. Giving an ear to everyone’s dreams and desires. Letting each member have a say in big decisions.
The confidence I see in my children has grown exponentially from doing these things with intention.
At first, they didn’t want to give their opinions as much. Now they feel safe in doing so.
This practice has reflected in their lives outside of the home. Confidence and reliability at work has come from this place. Holy desires of marriage and relationship have also.
There’s a reason my job is called that of a homemaker. That is the greatest privilege of my life. There is no better job I could have. Nothing could be more fulfilling. There is no amount of money that could make my position worth giving up.
I am a homemaker.
I’m beginning to see that even when my children are grown and have families of their own…I will still be a homemaker. There is a certain beautiful wonder of a grandmother who continues to cultivate a warm, inviting, life-filled home even when her children are grown. I want to be that type of grandmother. One who never stops creating spaces for littles, teens, and adults.
Out of the overflow of my heart, I want to be a home to many. Yes, you read that right. I want to be a home for others. A place of safety, peace, and rest from this wild world.
And there you have it…we’ve come full circle to discover that God made women to be homemakers that He could reflect the kingdom of heaven onto the earth. God in us…the hope of glory.
Will you let heaven make a home in and through you?
To which God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory. He is the One we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone filly mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:27-29
365 Days in the Presence 